Nick Kyrgios of Australia smashes his racket after being defeated by Karen Khachanov in their Men’s Singles Quarterfinal match on Day Nine of the 2022 US Open. Images by Elsa/AFP
‘This oke is a douche’: Tennis fans react to Nick Kyrgios tantrum
Disappointment or grown-man tantrum? Social media users are debating Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios’s latest outburst.
Nick Kyrgios of Australia smashes his racket after being defeated by Karen Khachanov in their Men’s Singles Quarterfinal match on Day Nine of the 2022 US Open. Images by Elsa/AFP
Tennis bad boy Nick Kyrgios is at it again after having ANOTHER outburst following a loss – and this time, no one thinks it cute or funny.
The Australian star – who describes himself as “super competitive” is known for his hot temper, in and off the court.
NICK KYRGIOS HAS MELTDOWN FOLLOWING US OPEN LOSS
In yet another public spectacle, Nick Kyrgios was this week seen having a meltdown on the court after losing his quarter-finals match with Russia’s Karen Khachanov at the U.S. Open on Wednesday.
In a clip that has gone viral, the 27-year-old is seen repeatedly slamming his tennis racket on the floor, in full view of spectators. He then grabs another racket out of his bag and does the same again.
But Nick Kyrgios’s outburst is nothing new – in fact, the Canberra-born star has a rap sheet longer than his professional wins.
Just last week, he was fined $7 500 after where he was seen spitting and swearing at his own team box, also during the tournament.
Kyrgios was heated shouting at his group of fans, and girlfriend Costeen Hatzi: “Go home if you’re not going to f***ng support me”.
Over the years, Kyrgios has repeatedly been subjected to bans and fines following his inappropriate behaviour. This includes swearing, spitting, physical and verbal abuse at his opponents and the audience, and general unsportsmanlike behaviour.
And the incidents have taken place all over the world, at events like the US Open, Australian Open, French Open, Miami Open, Wimbledon, Queen’s Club Championships, and many many more.
CELEBS AND FANS ARE NOT IMPRESSED
Meanwhile, Nick Kyrgios’s latest stint has irked tennis fans around the world. Closer to home, Supersport presenter Anele Mdoda posted a clip of the tennis star’s tantrum on her Instagram page.
She captioned it: “Are we still calling him passionate or are we ready to admit this oke is a douche? I want to like him, I do but nah guys. This is getting boring. Definitely discussing this on SuperSaturday”
Fellow star Somizi added in the comments section: “I want to like him so bad because he’s so talented. And actually, I like him but the verbal abuse towards his box is unbearable”
Music group Goodluck added: “’Passionate’? Hahaha that sounds like a super woke term for a total a-hole”
And followers of Anele agreed with the views expressed about Nick Kyrgios.
@Cathyheatonsa: “Can you imagine living with someone like this?! Horrid temper. Not passionate”
@Chrisbishophorn: “No place for it in any sport. There are far better players who lose with dignity. How embarrassing”
@Leatilebakwena: “He is the worst sportsman in the sport of tennis. Worst ambassador”
Some even spoke on the “double standards” after recalling fellow tennis player Serena Williams’s outburst at the 2018 US Open.
Radio personality Sureshnie Ryder added: “It’s always ‘passion’ and ‘drive’ for him and meltdown for Serena! It’s always selective criticism! He has poor sportsmanship and we must not normalise this as passion …it’s aggressive behavior”
