Stuttgart Open apologise to Nick Kyrgios over the racial abuse incident, launch a formal investigation
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Nick Kyrgios
World No. 62 Nick Kyrgios‘ return to the Tour was tainted by an ugly incident during his semi-final clash. Playing against Andy Murray in the semis of the 2022 Stuttgart Open, his Grass debut for the season, Kyrgios lost in straight-sets as he continues to await his first singles final appearance since 2019 when he won the titles in Acapulco and Washington.
Nick was returning to the Tour for the first time since April and despite the absence did not look rusty as he played brilliantly on his way to the semis. But towards the end of the first set, as per Nick’s claims, racial slurs emerged towards him from the stands and as a result he couldn’t focus on the tiebreaker and the second set where he could win only 2 games as Murray qualified for the finals.
Nick Kyrgios had refused to play after being abused
Nick also smashed his racket after conceding the first set and as a result faced a point penalty for his actions. Kyrgios did not inform the chair umpire during the match but instead, upon completion of the match, he revealed the abuse that he faced from the stands. The tournament officials responded to the incident by issuing a public apology to Nick while announcing the launch of a formal investigation into the matter.
“We stand for creating an inclusive environment for all players, staff members and visitors where discrimination of any kind is not tolerated. This attitude is lived by all people involved and responsible. These fundamental values are as important as values like fairness, tolerance and team spirit to us. Thus no discriminating actions by the spectators are accepted. We have expressed our regret towards Nick Kyrgios and his team and assured that any kind of discrimination is unacceptable. The incident is currently under investigation,” read the press release.
“When is this going to stop? Dealing with racial slurs from the crowd?” When I retaliate to the crowd, I get penalised. This is messed up,” Nick had written in his Instagram story indicating that his refusal to come back to the court after the end of the first set was a reaction to the abuses he had been directed to.
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Sarthak Shitole
(3462 Articles Published)