“Tennis Needs a Bad Guy”: Eugenie Bouchard Backs Nick Kyrgios Following 2021 Rogers Cup R1 Antics

Tennis action continues to entertain fans across the globe as the National Bank Open kicks off in a spectacular fashion. Some of the absolute best grace the Canadian circuit with their flamboyance, aiming for ultimate glory. However, chances of a title were cut short for one of the many stars as he boards the plane back to Australia; Antic specialist Nick Kyrgios lost his first-round match to Reilly Opelka in an epic encounter.

Nick exhilarated confidence with every step he took on the court. However, coming on the back of consecutive defeats, this game was no different. A dominating start handed him the upper hand, winning the first set. But owing to a masterclass performance from his American counterpart, Nick lost his lead and further spiraled in his own emotions.

And Canadian Tennis star Eugenie Bouchard had some strong words to say about that.

“Tennis needs a bad guy like Nick” – Genie Bouchard

As the Australian edged closer to defeat, he lost all composure and calm. Back to his antics, he looked to win unusual points, gaining unnecessary attention. However, while Genie admits to Nick’s dynamics on-court, she remains a fan of tennis’ “bad guy.”

Reflecting upon the happenings of the game, Genie said, “As fans, we would love to see him really reach his potential. Because we know it so much more than what he’s accomplished so far.”

She further added, “Andy said it greatly, that he was almost looking for something to have an excuse or a reason to get mad. I don’t think Opelka touched the net, you don’t see the net move at all there. So he was just finding and picking things to get angry on.

“But you know what, it’s still entertaining. I’m still a fan and I think tennis needs a bad guy like Nick.” 

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Makeshift coach to the rescue for Nick Kyrgios

Nicks’s debate for a point wasn’t the only showcase of his character on-court. Playing lethal attacking in the first set, both players went head to head, leaving no room for error.

Desperate for a breakthrough, Nick turned to Sportscaster, Ben Lewis, for some much-needed advice. “Stay back,” Ben shouted, and the Australian followed the boss’s orders. Surprisingly, he attained the all-important service break and triumphed over the first set, 6-4.

Regardless, no kind of expertise came to Kyrgios’ aid as he lost the game to Reilly 6-4, 6-7, 4-6. Fans hoping for a resurrection had to settle for disappointment yet again, as they continue to wait for the Australian’s glory days to return.

Read more: Nick Kyrgios Suffers Third Consecutive Loss After Succumbing to Reilly Opelka at National Bank Open 2021