‘Don’t know where the line is’ Rafael Nadal warns ATP authorities to take tough decisions after Nick Kyrgios racket-smash row
Follow Us
Rafael Nadal and Nick Kyrgios
During today’s quarterfinals match in the 2022 Indian Wells, 21-time grand slam champion Rafael Nadal defeated 26-year old Aussie Nick Kyrgios in an intense three-setter ( 7-6, 5-7, 6-4 ). The moments that transpired today were of very much importance. Despite having already smashed one racket out of frustration, Kyrgios threw another racquet on the ground, which almost hurled towards a ball boy who was standing in the corner of the court.
Both players have played against each other on multiple occasions for years. Every single match of theirs is a blessing to the eyes that witness it. A game of pure intensity, strength, and a will to win. Nadal has sworn never to throw a tantrum on the court by shouting, using abusive language, and, most of all, breaking racquets. He is known for his excellent demeanor on court.
The Australian, however, doesn’t have such a clean slate. Kyrgios has had multiple instances where he has shouted at the umpire and destroyed numerous racquets.
‘ATP should review and make decisions,’ says Rafael Nadal on stricter rules
To Kyrgios, Nadal was one of his inspirations, and to the Spaniard also, Nick Kyrgios was a friend and a strong rival. He starts his press conference, “I like him ( Kyrgios ) like a character. But of course when you cross some lines, then the thing becomes different, no,” Evidently disappointed because of the events that took place, Nadal continued, “And the problem is, in my opinion, when you allow the players to do stuff, then you don’t know where the line is. And it’s a tricky thing.”
He also mentions that not just for today, but multiple times, such incidents happen when players get angry, and actions should be taken respectively. “But probably because these situations are happening more and more often, the ATP should review things and make decisions. Not about today’s match because I didn’t see what happened at the end, so I can’t have an opinion,” he said.
He ended his in front of the camera by stating, “And then all that stuff, I hope it was nothing too bad because I wish him the best. But if it’s bad, the ATP need to make decisions to avoid that and stop that because otherwise – even if it’s very unlucky or unfortunate – something negative will happen.”
“That’s the Nick Kyrgios that I probably want to see,” Nadal in hopes of seeing the Australian soon
Despite everything that happened today, Kyrgios took responsibility for scaring the ball boy and personally reached out to him, apologized for his mistake, and offered to send him a token of his gratitude.
“I think Nick had a great attitude during the whole match in terms of fighting spirit, and of course, he has his personality, his character. Sometimes he does things I don’t like, but I respect because of a different character… different points of view,” said the 21-time grand slam champion.
On a positive note, Rafael Nadal said, “But the most important part, why we are coming here, is to try to play tennis in the best way possible. I think he did. He fought until the end. He played some great level tennis. And that’s the Nick Kyrgios that I probably want to see and the people like to see, no? Because that’s good for tennis.”
Stay Updated!
Varsha Srikumar
(135 Articles Published)