Why Nick Kyrgios is the most controversial and ill-mannered tennis player of all time.
Nick Kyrgios is probably the most polarizing figure in modern tennis. The Australian star is known for his incredible shot-making ability, unpredictable playing style, and raw talent.
However, his career has been equally defined by controversy, frequent clashes with officials, and his unconventional attitude toward the sport.
Despite reaching the Wimbledon final in 2022, his potential has often been overshadowed by his behavior on and off the court.
Kyrgios’s journey from a bright young junior to one of the tennis world’s stars has been anything but typical.
His strong serve and natural game have allowed him to compete against the best of the best, but his numerous on-court outbursts and off-court incidents have polarized fans and analysts.
Some find appealing his fearlessness and lack of filter, while others think he lacked the discipline needed to really realize his potential.
This article will discuss career highlights of Kyrgios, notable controversies, and moments that have helped to shape his reputation as one of the most talked-about tennis players.
Early Career and Rise to Fame
Born on April 27, 1995, in Canberra, Australia, Kyrgios promised both tennis and basketball at a young age.
However, he settled on tennis early on, which helped him fast-track his progression through the junior ranks.
He won the Australian Open Boys’ Singles in 2013, making him one of the sport’s most exciting young prospects.
The victory on the ATP Tour came in 2014 as, when he was just 19 years old, made news by defeating world No. 1 Rafael Nadal in the fourth round of Wimbledon.
For that, his brash and arrogant style of play was very earth-stopping, and everybody across the globe used to talk about him. For this very win, he earned a quarter-final berth and branded himself as a future tennis hero.
Career Highs and Achievements
Career Grand Slam Wins
Kyrgios has not bagged any Grand Slam title till date. However, he had won many titles under the umbrella of ATP and appeared in various legendary matches recently.
Notable Wins and Titles
1. 2016 Hopman Cup Winner: In mixed teams, Kyrgios with Daria Gavrilova shellacked the opposition and gifted the title to Champion Australia.
2. 2016 ATP 500 Tokyo Open Champion: He defeated David Goffin and proved that he had real talent.
3. 2019 Mexican Open (Acapulco) Champion: He defeated a very tough draw which included Rafael Nadal, John Isner, and Alexander Zverev. Here he proved that he can play at an elite level.
4. 2022 Wimbledon finalist: In his best performance so far in the Grand Slams, Kyrgios reached Wimbledon final where he met Novak Djokovic. Kyrgios, with a fantastic competition against Novak Djokovic, won but for four sets.
Kyrgios has competed against and even beaten tennis idols like Roger Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic many times to his credit in which only few players have emerged successful.
Incidents with the Referees
Dramatic altercations with the umpires and other tournament officials have been an hallmark of Kyrgios’ career.
The emotional outbursts and sheer disregard for authority have made it possible for hefty fines and serious disciplinary action to be imposed against him.
2019 Cincinnati Masters
The most publicized altercation in Kyrgios’s career occurred during the 2019 Cincinnati Masters. He argued with chair umpire Fergus Murphy during a game against Karen Khachanov when he was called for a time violation.
He stormed out of the court, smashed two rackets in the tunnel, and returned to give voice to his anger against the umpire, cursing him as a “f*ing tool** while spitting in his direction. That was a meltdown that attracted a record fine of $113,000 from the ATP.
Shanghai Masters 2017
At the 2017 Shanghai Masters, Kyrgios shocked everyone when he walked out of the court mid-match from Steve Johnson after losing the opening set.
There, it was an apparent case of tanking, that is, intentionally not trying, and for this, he was fined $4,000.
US Open 2022
In 2022, Kyrgios was fined $7,500 for spitting toward a spectator whom he claimed was taunting him.
Often, he has disputes with umpires and the spectators, much of which he has gotten over a heavy barrage of criticism that he does not possess sufficient mental control for such success at a very high level.
Scandals against Other Players
Kyrgios has more than enough controversy about his behavior with other players as well.
Montreal Masters 2015 – The Stan Wawrinka Incident
The most memorable episode in his career so far against Stan Wawrinka, was during the Montreal Masters 2015 when Kyrgios made some derogatory comment towards Wawrinka. What Kyrgios said was:
“Kokkinakis banged your girlfriend. Sorry to tell you that, mate.”
The comment that Kokkinakis and Donna Vekić who at that time was dating Wawrinka, shocked the crowd to the most. ATP fined Kyrgios $10,000 and barred him from playing for 28 days.
Wimbledon 2022 – The Stefanos Tsitsipas Showdown
The third-round Wimbledon 2022 match between Kyrgios and Stefanos Tsitsipas became a happening chaos.
The match had several dramatic moments, including Tsitsipas hitting a ball into the crowd in anger and Kyrgios arguing with the umpire all through. Both were fined for unsportsmanlike conduct and later, Tsitsipas accused Kyrgios of “bullying” him on court.
On-Court Shenanigans and Tanking Allegations
He comes to the court playing erratically. He is liable to amazing strokes but at the same time, there he has been charged with match fixing (losing on purpose).
Underarm Serves and Trick Shots
Kyrgios uses underarm serves most of the time. There are some who feel that these are acts of disrespect towards the opponent while he still maintains that it is a trick shot which might leave the opponent stunned.
Tanking at the 2016 Shanghai Masters
Kyrgios was penalized $16,500 for not trying in a match against Mischa Zverev at the 2016 Shanghai Masters.
He was spotted walking around the court, hitting soft shots, and appearing as though he didn’t even give two cents about winning the match. The fans and the commentators were fuming.
Off-Court Controversies
Off the tennis court, Kyrgios has been involved in many legal and personal controversies.
Assault Charge
In 2021, the case is that Kyrgios was charged with common assault for his altercation with his ex-girlfriend. Subsequently, he plead guilty to the charge for pushing her when they were in an altercation. Though it was dismissed by court, it damaged him more.
Social Media Feuds
Kyrgios is very active on social media where he regularly embarks on public spats with players, fans, and commentators. He has publicly criticized other players, among them Novak Djokovic, whom he once called a “tool” for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Duality of Nick Kyrgios: Maverick or Wasted Talent?
He is one of the greatest tennis mysteries. The excellent talent he possesses only bursts out occasionally because of his temper and how often he gets himself into controversy.
Some people believe that he is a breath of fresh air in a game that desperately needs some flavour, while others believe he has wasted his huge gifts.
As he continues his career, the question remains: Will Nick Kyrgios ever fully dedicate himself to tennis and achieve Grand Slam success, or will he remain the sport’s ultimate wildcard?
Only time will tell.
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