Again, talking about Nick Kyrgios is not just about services, coups and volleys. The Australian has reached the quarter-finals, where he will face Chilean Cristian Garin on track 1, but the focus has been more on the groans of self-magnification and false dress code than in the undoubted skill of number 40 in the world.
His four-set victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas in the third round led to accusations that Kyrgios had harassed the world number 5. Asked about the Greek player’s allegations, the Australian said he was “not sure” how he had harassed his rival.
“He was the one who hit me balls, he was the one who hit a spectator, he was the one who got him out of the stadium,” he said. “I didn’t do anything. Other than going back and forth with the referee for a while, I didn’t do anything with Stefanos that was disrespectful.”
Cue the next game and another controversy, this time revolving around your choice of clothes.
Kyrgios, who secured his place in the quarterfinals with a five-set win over Brandon Nakashima, walked the track with a pair of largely red Nike Air Jordan coaches before putting them back on after the game. and conduct his interview with a red cap. (the rules state that players must be dressed in “almost completely white” from the moment they enter the court).
It is understood that Kyrgios, who has already been fined for this tournament (received a penalty of £ 8,260 after admitting to spitting in the direction of a spectator who had scared him during the first round draw against Paul Jubb , and a fine of £ 3,300). to swear during the match against Tsitsipas), a verbal reminder has been made about the dress code.
When asked about his breach of clothing rules, the Australian simply replied, “I do what I want.”
Then, yesterday, came the news that Kyrgios is facing a court case at home after an ex-girlfriend accused him of assaulting her. The All England Club has authorized him to play today, but said he was in contact with his team after it emerged he was due to appear before Australian magistrates next month.
After the case was made public on Tuesday, Kyrgios went to the training courts, as planned, for his match against Garin, he did not want to answer questions about the case but, as he was surrounded by journalists, he stated to the his coach: “I Feel Like I’m in The Last Dance,” a reference to the Netflix documentary about the Chicago Bulls.
As it turns out, Kyrgios currently has his own camera team following him to Wimbledon before a documentary on the same playback platform.
Stay here for all the action in what will surely be a fascinating match as the Australian aspires to reach his first Grand Slam semi-final.