Nick Kyrgios has a ‘NBA-like uneducated approach of playing’ claims Stefanos Tsitsipas renewing his rivalry with the Aussie

Having played a dramatic match at 2022 Wimbledon, Stefanos Tsitsipas' recent comments might just damage his relationship with Nick Kyrgios.

Nick Kyrgios has a ‘NBA-like uneducated approach of playing’ claims Stefanos Tsitsipas renewing his rivalry with the Aussie

Nick Kyrgios and Stefanos Tsitsipas (Credits: New York Post, RedBull)

Fiery rivalry on the ATP Tour is hardly seen anymore. The stories of John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors locking heads spoilt tennis fans for drama alongside the sport. The best that has been seen since then was the recent episode between Nick Kyrgios and Stefanos Tsitsipas. The duo played out a sensational and dramatic match in the third round of the 2022 Wimbledon.

With Kyrgios known to get on his opponent’s nerves, it was a difficult task for Tsitsipas to keep his focus. His frustration grew and he almost knocked out a spectator by firing a wayward shot in the stands. The Aussie demanded a default for his act but the chair umpire didn’t entertain it. Instead, Kyrgios was warned for his constant knacking.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8NotePDakk&pp=ygUubmljayBreXJnaW9zIHN0ZWZhbm9zIHRzaXRzaXBhcyB3aW1ibGVkb24gMjAyMg%3D%3D

The press conference after the match saw Tsitsipas call the Australian a ‘bully’. Having refused a proper handshake, the Greek was visibly annoyed. In Netflix’s BreakPoint, the former World No. 3 vented his frustration further heavily criticizing his opponent for his actions.

“He has brought that NBA basketball attitude to tennis. I would describe it as an uneducated approach of playing tennis. But you know tennis is a gentleman’s sport, it’s all about respect. We are not playing basketball. I feel he was trying to destroy my rhythm. He kept putting his towel in my box. There was zero respect coming out of my opponent that day,” said Tsitsipas.

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Nick Kyrgios pressed my ‘buttons’ says Stefanos Tsitsipas

Nick Kyrgios and Stefanos Tsitsipas
Nick Kyrgios and Stefanos Tsitsipas (Credits: Sporting News)

With the two already fighting on the court, the match became easier for Nick Kyrgios as he remained calmer. Stefanos Tsitsipas however had enough and wanted to just get off the court. His mistakes increased and as a result, the Aussie cleaned up the match in four sets. Their handshake was one of the coldest and the anticipation of it resulted in BBC suffering heat from fans for not showing the footage live.

“He kept pressing my buttons none stop – and of course I got annoyed. He just loves attention. And if he gets none of that, it is complete destruction. It was too much for me. All that anger built up so much,” said Tsitsipas further while answering the cameras of Netflix.

The aftermath of their match saw even the parents getting involved. Kyrgios’ father called out the double standards as Tsitsipas was not defaulted. Stef’s mother came out in her son’s support and criticized the Wimbledon runner-up’s behavior. The two players did however make an attempt to amend their relationship as they teamed up in doubles. However, with these quotes coming out, it will be interesting to see how the two continue with their relationship.

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