“Definitely not like ZVEREV”- Nick Kyrgios unapologetic over his temper tantrums after his racket nearly hits a ballboy
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Alex Zverev and Nick Kyrgios
Nick Kyrgios’s run in the desert ended with a loss to Rafael Nadal in a closely fought 3-set thriller in the quarter-finals of the 2022 Indian Wells. The Australian put on a spirited fight but eventually lost 6(0)-7, 7-5, 6-4.
The blockbuster semi-final delivered on its premise. Nadal kept his cool to extend his winning streak to 19 matches and book a place in the semi-finals. In contrast, Kyrgios failed to keep his emotions in check as his temper flared in front of the voracious crowd. He then had a heated exchange with the chair umpire. His mid-match tantrum continued as he received a code violation for racket abuse in the first set. He also received a point penalty for an audible obscenity after he blurted expletives at the crowd.
After the match ended, Kyrgios’ temper was over the tipping point as he smashed his racket to the ground which ricocheted and narrowly missed hitting a ball kid.
‘It most definitely wasn’t like Zverev, it was an accident’: Nick Kyrgios
During his post-match press conference, Kyrgios was asked about the incident. The Australian was unapologetic about his tirade and defended himself saying it wasn’t intentional. He then became passive-aggressive saying he is being questioned on such a trivial thing after a grueling 3-hour clash with Nadal.
“What would you like me to say about it? Obviously, was that my intention? No. Because I threw the racquet. Did I throw the racquet anywhere near him originally? It landed a meter from my foot and skidded and nearly hit him. I’m human. Things happen like that. Obviously, it was a very misfortunate bounce. I think if I did that a million times over it wouldn’t have gone that way. And what do you want me to say? It was three meters away from the kid. That’s a question you’re going to say after a three-hour battle against Nadal? That’s what you come here with?” he said.
Kyrgios was still visibly furious as he cut short the reporter’s question and repeatedly defended himself, saying it was an ‘accident.’ He then drew parallels with Alexander Zverev’s outburst in Acapulco at the umpire and said, unlike that incident, his was completely intentional and was an accident. He then sarcastically applauded the reporter over a rather usual question.
“He ducked. Duck. He ducked. He ducked. He ducked. He ducked. Jesus. All right. Well, if that’s what you’re going to come in here to come ask me, it didn’t hit him. It was an accident. It most definitely wasn’t like Zverev. was complete accident. I didn’t hit him, thankfully. It wasn’t my intention. So thankfully the ball kid’s okay. Great question, though. Unbelievable stuff. (Clapping.) Congratulations, man,” he added.
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T Rushitha
(360 Articles Published)