Following the widespread coverage of his statements against Nick Kyrgios in Break Point, Stefanos Tsitsipas has issued a statement, stating that his words were “misinterpreted.” Tsitsipas lost to Kyrgios in a nail-biting four-set battle in the third round of the 2022 Wimbledon tournament.
The second season of the Tennis documentary on Netflix was launched this week. Tsitsipas discussed what transpired during the game in Break Point.
This was Stefanos’ statement:
“I hope this message finds you well. Today, I want to address a matter that has been weighing heavily on my heart; an unfortunate misunderstanding that has a distorted picture of my intentions. It has come to my attention that some individuals have misinterpreted my comments regarding Nick Kyrgios, labeling him as uneducated and accusing him of bringing a basketball mentality into tennis, insinuating racism where none exists. Let me take this opportunity to provide clarity and rectify any misconceptions that may have arisen.
Firstly, I want to emphasize that I harbor no prejudice towards anyone based on their background, ethnicity, or interests. I deeply regret if my words were misinterpreted or caused offense, as that was never my intention. It is true that I love the game of basketball and have been a devoted fan for years. The excitement, skill, and competitiveness of the sport have always resonated with me. However, my admiration for basketball should not be misconstrued as a dismissal or belittlement of other sports, including tennis. Each sport carries its own unique beauty, and I hold immense respect for the dedication and talent displayed by athletes across various disciplines, including tennis. My previous remarks regarding Nick Kyrgios were not meant to undermine his intelligence or abilities.
Instead, I simply intended to express my perspective on certain aspects of his playing style, drawing comparisons to the passion and intensity often associated with basketball. It was an attempt to highlight the dynamic and captivating nature of his approach to the game, not a criticism of his character or capabilities.
Moving forward, I commit to being more mindful of my words and the impact they may have. I firmly believe in promoting inclusivity and celebrating diversity. It is my hope that we can engage in respectful conversations that allow for differing opinions while maintaining empathy and respect for one another. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to clarify my stance and intentions. Your understanding and support mean a great deal to me. Let us continue to cherish our shared love for sports, celebrating the beauty and passion they bring to our lives.”
Stefanos Tsitsipas in 2023
Currently ranked no.5, Tsitsipas played his last match on the 21st of June when he lost to world no.28 Nicolas Jarry 7-6(7) 7-5 in the 2nd round in Halle (draw).
This season Stefanos has a compiled 32-11 record. Stefanos Tsitsipas’s best result of this year was getting to the final at the Australian Open and Barcelona.
Tsitsipas is scheduled to compete next in Mallorca (Mallorca Championships). He will start from the main draw that will commence on the 25th of June using a wild card.
Nick Kyrgios in 2023
Ranked no.31, Kyrgios played his last match on the 13th of June when he lost to world no.59 Yibing Wu 7-5 6-3 in the 1st round in Stuttgart (draw).
This season Kyrgios has managed to achieve an overall 0-1 match record.
He is also scheduled to play at the Wimbledon (Wimbledon) on the 3rd of July and Washington (Citi Open) on the 31st of July.
Stefanos Tsitsipas and Nick Kyrgios played each other 5 times. Their head to head is 4-1 for Kyrgios. Previously, the last time they played each other, Nick Kyrgios won 6-7(2) 6-4 6-3 7-6(7) in the 3rd round in London (Wimbledon) in July 2022.
You can see them in action in the following highlights.
Stefanos Tsitsipas and Nick Kyrgios |
| Embed from Getty Images |
