Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios is one of the most polarizing figures in tennis. The 24-year-old’s talent is there for all to see but his antics on and off the court have frustrated many in the game who feel he is his own worst enemy. Kyrgios has won 6 ATP titles in his career but is yet to win a Grand Slam. His behavior has left many doubting if he will ever win the biggest prizes in the game.
Cincinnati Masters fine and the ATP is corrupted
Kyrgios has been under investigation by the ATP for indiscipline at the Cincinnati Masters in August. The Australian appeared to insult umpire Fergus Murphy, calling him a “f—— tool” during a match with Russian Karen Khachanov. Nick lost the match and his antics included smashing two rackets during the match. He was fined $167,000 Aus dollars for unsportsmanlike conduct. However, Kyrgios would go on to court more controversy when asked if he was worried about the fine during the US Open. Current world No. 27 said, “The ATP is pretty corrupt anyway. I’m not fussed about it at all.” The ATP said it would investigate Nick’s comments. Later the Australian apologized for the “misunderstanding.”
Should be suspended
Australian tennis legend Rod Laver reacted to Kyrgios recent antics and hinted that the 24-year old could to be suspended. “Whatever they have done hasn’t worked so far, so maybe a suspension is the only answer. I’m not sure he’s learned anything from any of the things that have gone on.” Laver’s comments have been supported by another former Australian tennis player Pat Rafter. Rafter was speaking during the ATP Cup draw in Sydney. When asked about Kyrgios, Rafter said, “On paper, it looks like he should be suspended.”
Rafater vs. Kyrgios
Rafter, however, questioned why the ATP had taken so long to suspend Kyrgios, suggesting that there were other factors under consideration apart from Nick’s behavior. “It’s an interesting one, I don’t understand why it hasn’t happened. There’s obviously something more going on behind the scenes, I don’t know, on paper, it looks like he should be suspended but you know, I don’t know. That’s another thing to look at, isn’t it? He draws a crowd. At what point do you say a crowd’s more important – or do you try to uphold a certain protocol and a standard for the players to adhere to.”
Rafter and Kyrgios have a strained relationship after the pair fell out when Rafter was captain for Australia in the ATP Cup. Rafter cited Australian’s unwillingness to listen as one of the reasons he quit in 2015. The former Australian Open quarter-finalist is looking ahead to feature in the Laver Cup for Team World.
Nick Kyrgios’s ranking and performance in 2019
Ranked no.27, Nick played his last match on the 31st of August when he lost to Andrey Rublev 7-65 7-65 6-3 in the 3rd round in U.S. Open.
This year Nick has a 21-13 win-loss record. The Australian conquered 2 titles in 2019 in Acapulco and in Washington.
Nick Kyrgios |
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