Stefanos Tsitsipas (left) and Nick Kyrgios played one of the hottest Wimbledon matches in recent memory last year. Photo: Reuters/Hannah McKay
Stefanos Tsitsipas denies that comments he made about Nick Kyrgios in the Netflix documentary were racist.
World No. 5 Tsitsipas was criticized on social media for saying that Kyrgios' approach to tennis was “uneducated”. and that he brought “the NBA basketball attitude” to court.
He commented on one of the latest episodes of the Netflix documentary Breaking Point, released earlier this week, in a scene where he reflects on the incendiary encounter with Kyrgios in the third round of last year's Wimbledon.< /p>
On his Facebook page, Tsitsipas said: “Today I want to address a question that weighs heavily on my heart; an unfortunate misunderstanding that misrepresents my intentions.”
“I have come to know that some people have misinterpreted my comments regarding Nick Kyrgios, calling him uneducated and accusing him of bringing a basketball. mentality in tennis, spreading racism where there is none.”
“Let me take this opportunity to clarify and correct any misconceptions that may have arisen. First, I want to emphasize that I have no prejudice towards anyone because of their origin, ethnicity or interests. I deeply regret if my words were misunderstood or offended me, as I never meant to.”
“My previous remarks about Nick Kyrgios were not intended to undermine his intellect or ability. Instead, I just wanted to express my point of view on some aspects of his playing style, drawing comparisons to the passion and intensity often associated with basketball. It was an attempt to emphasize the dynamic and exciting nature of his approach to the game, rather than a criticism of his character or ability.”
Tsitsipas, 24, called Kyrgios a “hooligan” after losing that match. a year ago, when an Aussie called for a default after he kicked the ball into the crowd.
Despite their longstanding public disputes going beyond the Wimbledon incident, Kyrgios accepted Tsitsipas's apology on Saturday. “Sometimes it was a very heated battle when we, the players, go to these press conferences without digesting the match,” Kyrgios wrote on his Twitter page. “We've had some crazy fights and I know deep down you like my style of tennis, we're all good @steftsitsipas.”
Kyrgios, 28, has more serious problems. On Saturday, he withdrew from the Mallorca Open, meaning he will return to Wimbledon, where he reached the final last year after playing just one competitive match in 2023.
A left knee injury hampered Kyrgios get out on the field. played for most of the year, including having him pull out of the Australian Open at the last minute and having surgery to try to correct the problem. Now his preparation for Wimbledon, the most important tournament of his season, has been seriously affected.
He played his first match of the year in Stuttgart 12 days ago, but he looked unfinished and had difficulty moving. during a loss to Yibin Wu of China. He then left Halle last week and decided it was too soon to play in Mallorca.
“I am very disappointed that I will not be able to participate in the Mallorcan championship this year. At the moment I still have a lot to do with my body. Obviously Wimbledon is just around the corner, so hopefully I can get better. Sorry.”
Wimbledon is just over a week away and he's in a hurry to get in shape.
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