In the world of tennis, there are players who captivate the audience with their skills, charisma, and sportsmanship. And then there are those who seem to court controversy with every step they take on and off the court. A player who epitomizes the latter is the Australian tennis star, Nick Kyrgios. His recent tweet unleashed a storm of criticism from fans after a tweet intended to be funny turned out to be disrespectful towards his fellow players.
This incident adds yet another chapter to Kyrgios’ long history of being at the center of controversy, both on and off the court.
Nick Kyrgios’ controversial tweet spurs fan outcry
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It all started innocently enough when respected tennis journalist Craig Gabriel shared a routine match update on Twitter. His tweet celebrated Alexei Popyrin’s impressive victory, securing a spot in the Umag semifinals with a 7-6 7-5 win over Dino Prizmic. However, Kyrgios couldn’t resist the urge to add his own commentary.
Kyrgios tweeted, “Who are some of these players haha.” What he probably thought was a light-hearted remark turned out to be a catalyst for a powerful reaction from fans on Twitter.
Who are some of these players haha
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) July 28, 2023
As soon as Kyrgios hit the “send” button on his tweet, fans wasted no time in expressing their displeasure. They didn’t mince their words when hitting back at the Aussie bad boy.
One fan passionately brought up Rafael Nadal’s unfortunate injury in the 2022 Wimbledon quarterfinals, as he wrote, “You have an absolute cheek! Not even won Masters 1000 but like to get cocky on social media. You reached a Wimbledon final because Rafa couldn’t compete he would of took care of you put your pipe down and be respectful; you have done absolutely nothing.”
You have an absolute cheek!not even won masters 1000 but like to get cocky on social media .You reached a Wimbledon final because Rafa couldn’t compete he would of took care of you put your pipe down and be respectful you have done absolutely nothing
— Alan McFadyen (@Fudgie_85) July 28, 2023
Another fan chimed in, “They are the next cycle of players, it’s what challengers and 250’s are for. Hope you’re on the court again soon but don’t take the p**s out of the guys grinding to improve out there.”
They are the next cycle of players, it's what challengers and 250's are for. Hope you're on the court again soon but don't take the piss out of the guys grinding to improve out there
— Joe Ridings (@Ridings4Joe) July 28, 2023
A fan hilariously quipped, “you would know if you were on tour”
you would know if you were on tour
— edit horvath (@edithorvath5) July 28, 2023
One fan sarcastically quipped, “If you were on tour, you’d know who Arnaldi is… we do (people who watch tennis) 😂😂,” implying that Kyrgios should be familiar with his peers.
Lol If you were on tour you’d know who Arnaldi is… we do (ppl who watch tennis) 😂😂
— ULTM8SerenaWilliamsf (@ultm8swfans) July 28, 2023
Another fan hit him with a simple but powerful statement, “Blokes that have played more than you this year 🤐,” highlighting Kyrgios’ consistent absence from tournaments.
Blokes that have played more than you this year 🤐
— Sgt Major (@Cortez0709) July 28, 2023
Another fan pointed out, “Dino is what you used to be mate: the next big thing” acknowledging the emerging talent.
Dino is what you used to be mate: the next big thing
— vijay (@vijaytherock21) July 28, 2023
The Twitter thread became a battleground where fans defended the up-and-coming players and called for Kyrgios to show more humility and respect towards his peers. But backlash over his antics isn’t something new for the Aussie.
A pattern of disrespectful behavior by Kyrgios
Kyrgios’ recent tweet is just one instance in a long list of controversial moments throughout his career. The Australian player has often found himself in hot water due to his outspoken nature and questionable on-court behavior.
During the 2015 Montreal Masters, Kyrgios crossed the line during a match against Stan Wawrinka when he made derogatory remarks about Wawrinka’s girlfriend. He stated during the second set, “Kokkinakis b**ged your girlfriend, Sorry to tell you that, mate.” He was fined £10,000 (Approx. $12,800) and handed a 28-day suspended sentence for his actions.
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At the 2017 French Open, during a match against Kevin Anderson, Kyrgios took his on-court frustration to another level by smashing two rackets and asking a spectator to get him a beer. He was fined £13,000 (Approx. $16,700) for his behavior.
If you think that Kyrgios can’t top all of this, during the 2022 Wimbledon, in a particularly shocking incident, Kyrgios admitted to spitting towards a spectator who he believed was disrespecting him. He received a $10,000 fine for this unacceptable behavior.
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Nick Kyrgios’ recent experience of facing fan backlash on Twitter serves as a potent reminder of the power of social media and the responsibilities that come with being a public figure. Do you think Kyrgios crossed the line with his latest tweet?
WATCH THIS STORY: Nick Kyrgios’ uncontrollable rant at the chair umpire in the Miami Open 2022