‘I Never Condoned the Behavior’ – Nick Kyrgios Turns Self-Critic as He Supports Penalizing ‘Frustrated’ On-Court Acts

Racket abuse is considered an abhorrent crime in tennis. While the consequences are limited to a monetary fine, it tends to tarnish the image of the player. Nick Kyrgios is an infamous persona, and racket abuse is one of the reasons he is well-known. While he was absent from tennis, a Tennis Channel staff member asked him his mindset on the punishment for racket abuse, and he shared his thoughts with us.

The discussion around the repercussions of racket abuse has often been at the forefront of Tennis. The discussion heats up when big stars are the center of the act. Kyrgios has often been the one to smash his rackets, and he is a good figure to discuss the subject.

Nick Kyrgios on fair punishment for racket abuse

Kyrgios fans have been waiting for a comeback confirmation ever since he went out of commission in January this year. While he is waiting to drop the news, he is working with Tennis Channel and provides coverage for the sport. In a recent edition, he was asked about the fair punishment for racket abuse by a staff member of Tennis Channel. Kyrgios answered the question as a compilation of him smashing rackets played next to him.  

He explained, “I think there’s got to be levels to it. What you see on the screen there, some are not great. I think code violation and fine, however much the tournament was to fine me. I think there has to be a penalty for it. Now, I understand how many people are watching, and I am a role model to youth. So I never condoned the behavior.”

He also explains that frustration takes over when he smashes the racket, but there should be a penalty for it regardless. “At the time, I’m just frustrated. But there definitely should be a penalty. I don’t know. The tour has fines for that. I have paid them all, by the way; I’ve never not paid any fine, I give them back. I think last year I only broke one tennis racket. It’s not too bad.”

Read More: Despite Carlos Alcaraz’s Frustrations Boiling Over at the Canadian Open, the Spaniard Gets Away With His Racket Act

We have seen many instances of racket abuse this past year by some of the top players of the ATP in various tournaments.

Infamous racket smashes of 2023

Alexander Bublik, often known to throw tantrums and cause damage to his equipment, smashed his racket in the French Open after he lost the third set. The Wimbledon final saw intense drama as Novak Djokovic threw his racket at the net post and broke it. He later received a fine of $8,000, which kicked off a controversy. Mirra Andreeva, a 16-year-old Russian, also received a similar fine when her racket fell, and fans lambasted the organizers.

Carlos Alcaraz got caught in controversy when he threw his racket on the bench in the Canadian Open. Aryna Sabalenka was another player who threw her racket in the US Open semifinal and was caught smashing her racket in her locker room after losing the final. A simple search on the web will give fans all instances of racket smashes. While the debate around it will continue, the penalty for it will always be levied.

Watch This Story: Former World Champion Boxer Snubs Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal To Give Novak Djokovic The Legend of Tennis Crown