It has been a dramatic, action-packed week at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. We have already seen the likes of Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev, Naomi Osaka, and Aryna Sabalenka bow out early in the tournament. Further, the challenging conditions have made it difficult for players to express themselves. There was more drama in store during the match between Nick Kyrgios and Rafael Nadal.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
It was a high-voltage clash between the two stars with the match going to the distance. However, Nadal came out on the top in this encounter, maintaining his unbeaten run this season. Kyrgios though gave it all but couldn’t prevent the Spaniard from entering the semifinals. Midway through the match, the Aussie was involved in an altercation with one of the fans in the stadium.
Nick Kyrgios shuts down a fan
While Kyrgios was serving in the fifth game of the deciding set, he was disgusted with constant jeers from one of the fans behind him. Shutting down the fan, he turned back and said, “Are you playing? Are you good at tennis?” The fan replied, “No.” Further, Kyrgios went on to say, “Exactly, so why are you speaking?”
American actor, Ben Stiller was in attendance during the match. He happens to be a huge Rafael Nadal fan. Taking a dig at the fan, Kyrgios pointed towards Stiller and said, “Do I tell him how to act?” Subsequently, the crowd burst into laughter at Kyrgios’ reaction.
😆
Does @NickKyrgios tell @BenStiller how to act? Don’t think so…#IndianWells pic.twitter.com/wrq9j5VBSi
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 18, 2022
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The crowd had been pretty vocal during the action-packed quarterfinal match between Nadal and Kyrgios. Earlier in the match, the chair umpire, Carlos Bernardes, had to intervene to silence the crowd. He even went on to say, “Ten thousand people who want to watch tennis here and you are the only one screaming like crazy.”
It hasn’t been easy going for Nadal in this tournament. He has had to fight hard for his victories. But he is known to be a fighter, isn’t he? Further, he will take on compatriot Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY: Will Smith Shows How King Richard Cast Trained Like Serena and Venus Williams
Challenge Your Sports Knowledge!
Solve the puzzle and prove your knowledge of iconic players, terms, and moments.