“Grass Has Got the Unpredictable Factor”: Nick Kyrgios Reacts to Serena Williams’ Retirement at Wimbledon Championships 2021

Ever since tennis resumed after a long hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic last year, Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has participated in just a couple of tournaments before heading up to Wimbledon. The Aussie ruled out traveling as an option amidst a global pandemic and decided to stay at home.

Nick Kyrgios won a thrilling contest against Ugo Humbert at Wimbledon

When Kyrgios drew the reigning Halle Open champion Ugo Humbert as his first-round opponent at SW19, a crackling contest was on cards. Staying true to the expectations, the duo delivered an intriguing matchup with the Australian edging past Humbert in five sets.

Despite not playing much tennis over the past one and a half year, Nick Kyrgios didn’t show any fatigue on-court, especially during baseline rallies. Although, the Frenchman and himself didn’t engage in too many baseline exchanges as the flaunted off winners from both the wings.

Even though the match started on Tuesday at Court-1, it was suspended as the clock struck 11pm. The duo continued the encounter today on the same court and with an even bigger crowd. In the end, Kyrgios ensured that the crowd was thoroughly entertained as he defeated Ugo Humbert 6-4,4-6,3-6,6-1,9-7.

Watch this story: When Prince Charles Was Left in Awe With Roger Federer’s Perfect Tennis at Wimbledon Championships

It was responsible tennis from the Aussie star as he reached the second round at Wimbledon, and will now face the Brazilian player Gianluca Mager.

In the post-match interview, Kyrgios talked about the nasty fall he had in the fifth set when the scores were level at 6-6.

“It’s happened to me before” – Kyrgios on his devastating slip at Wimbledon

“You kind of always expect the grass to bring out these moments where you get wrong-footed. It’s happened to me before. I actually slipped at Queen’s once”,?explained the Australian.

Kyrgios also added that he would have finished the match anyway even if he was in pain.

“I haven’t been playing many tournaments. I’m here. No matter if it was something bad, I was always going to get up and play. With one leg, I was going to finish the match”?

The Australian player also talked about the brutal falls on-court by Adrian Mannarino and Serena Williams yesterday. Both the players had to retire from their respective matches on center court.

“Devastating to see some big names go out” – Kyrgios on Serena Williams’ retirement

“Obviously it’s devastating to see some big names go out due to an injury like slipping on the court. Mannarino was putting on a great match against Federer. Obviously seeing Serena, the legend, go down, it’s not easy. I’m very lucky it wasn’t nothing too severe”, continued Nick.

In conclusion, the Aussie explained the difficult nature of grass courts and admitted that playing there would always involve risks.

“The grass has got that unpredictable factor where it’s tough. There’s no guarantee that any time you go out there you could be injured. It’s tough to say because obviously Serena, she’s like the GOAT. It’s tough to say it is what is. Unfortunately, it’s like the grass. It’s tough”.?

Despite having little success on tour, Nick Kyrgios has become one of the most bankable starts in the ATP locker-room. It’s obvious that he has loads of talent which he flaunts during every match. However, his intention to just entertain the crowds alone brings down the value he bring to modern tennis.

Also read: ?Play Call of Duty With My Girlfriend?: Nick Kyrgios After His Epic Wimbledon Championships 2021 R1 Win