Nick Kyrgios matches are notorious for being “weird,” but this time we got to a completely new level.
What happened
In the US Open 2nd round, the Australian was struggling against the world no.75 Pierre-Hugues Herbert as he was 6-4 3-0 down and he looked without hope.
Then something unimaginable happened as the chair umpire, Mohamed Lahyani, went down the chair to “coach” the Australian and say
“I want to help you. I want to help you. I’ve seen your matches: you’re great for tennis. Nick, I know this is not you.”
Kyrgios replied, “Okay, Just call the trainer to the court, and I’ll try.”
When the trainer was on-court, and he asked what was wrong with Kyrgios he answered “I don’t know, check my wrist or something. Can you just stay out here for like two minutes?”
After this break, Nick was fired up, and he ended up winning the match 4-6 7-6 (6) 6-3 6-0.
When the trainer was on-court and he asked what was wrong with Kyrgios he answered “I don’t know, check my wrist or something … Can you just stay out here for like two minutes?”
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The reaction from the media and Federer
The media and tennis fans went on fire about what happened and Federer expressed his disappointment.
Never seen this before. Umpire had to get out of his chair and beg Nick Kyrgios to start trying in his match. pic.twitter.com/nk9k56yTrB
— Eric Hubbs (@BarstoolHubbs) August 30, 2018
To be clear, I don’t think Kyrgios did anything wrong here.
I do think Lahyani should be yanked off this match *immediately*. Get him off that court. #USOpen
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) August 30, 2018
Remarkable scene, this. Nick Kyrgios receiving a mid-match pep talk from the *umpire* for another conspicuous lack of effort pic.twitter.com/vI1ooppYin
— Oliver Brown (@oliverbrown_tel) August 30, 2018
No doubt that Kyrgios is entertainment, calls trainer, tells him there’s nothing wrong, asks him to check his wrist, then pats him on the back, saying “Thanks mate”. Trainer leaves, trying not to smile too broadly
— Simon Cambers (@scambers73) August 30, 2018
More to come
