Nick Kyrgios, the Australian tennis star known for his fiery personality and on-court antics, has once again found himself at the center of controversy. This time, fans are calling for ESPN to sever ties with Kyrgios following a comment he made about Jannik Sinner’s girlfriend, Anna Kalinskaya.
The incident unfolded when Kyrgios commented on a photo of himself and Kalinskaya at an LA Lakers game from 2020, writing “second serve.” While the exact meaning of the comment remains unclear, many fans interpreted it as a dig at Sinner, who is currently dating Kalinskaya. The backlash was swift, with numerous fans taking to social media to express their outrage and demand that ESPN remove Kyrgios from his commentary role.
What ESPN should do?
Critics have labeled Kyrgios’ comment as misogynistic and disrespectful, arguing that it reflects poorly on ESPN to continue employing him. Some fans have gone as far as to call Kyrgios a “misogynist” and accuse him of having no respect for the players or the game. The controversy has reignited discussions about Kyrgios’ suitability as a commentator, given his history of controversial behavior both on and off the court.
Kyrgios, who is currently dating Costeen Hatzi, has not publicly responded to the calls for his dismissal. However, he has previously stated that he has no personal issue with Sinner, despite his vocal criticism of the Italian player’s recent doping scandal. Sinner, who tested positive for a banned substance earlier this year, was cleared of wrongdoing after an independent tribunal accepted his explanation that the substance had accidentally entered his system.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether ESPN will take action against Kyrgios. For now, the tennis world watches closely, waiting to see how this latest chapter in the Kyrgios saga will unfold.
Sinner at the U.S. Open, ranking, and results in 2024
Now the world no.1, Sinner has achieved a 54-5 win-loss record in 2024. The Italian is now playing at the U.S. Open where he conquered the world no.140 Mackenzie Mcdonald 2-6 6-2 6-1 6-2
, the world no.49 Alex Michelsen 6-4 6-0 6-2, the world no.87 Christopher O Connell 6-1 6-4 6-2, the world no.14 Tommy Paul 7-6(3) 7-6(5) 6-1, the world no.5 Daniil Medvedev 6-2 1-6 6-1 6-4 and the world no.25 Jack Draper 7-5 7-6(3) 6-2.Jannik Sinner will face the world no.12 Taylor Fritz in the final on Sunday at 2:00 pm on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Their record is 1-1.
The Italian conquered 5 titles in 2024 at the Australian Open, Rotterdam, Miami, Halle and Cincinnati.
The Italian won 16 titles in his career: 7 on hard courts, 1 on clay courts, 7 on indoor courts and 1 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Sinner will play next in Beijing (China Open). He will start from the main draw that will commence on the 23rd of September.
Anna Kalinskaya in 2024
Currently the world no.15 (career-high), Anna played her last match on the 31st of August when she surrendered to world no.21 Beatriz Haddad Maia 6-3 6-1 in the 3rd round of the U.S. Open (draw).
At present, during this year Anna owns a composed 33-16 match record. Anna Kalinskaya’s best accomplishment of the present year was reaching the final in Dubai and Berlin.
Kalinskaya is scheduled to compete next in Guadalajara (Guadalajara Open Akron). She will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 9th of September.