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Nick Kyrgios Insults Stan and ‘His Girlfriend’

By Clinton Trueman

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Nick Kyrgios Goes Too Far Against Stan in Montreal

Update: Stan released a statement on his Twitter page regarding the incident, calling for harsh punishment from the ATP (and seems to insinuate that Kyrgios should be suspended). To see his full remarks, click here.

When does a professional athlete goes too far in the pursuit of victory?

In the game of tennis, it’s generally considered inappropriate for players to speak to opponents until their embrace at the net, bar exceptional circumstances. Earlier this year at the Australian Open, Tomas Berdych muttered to Andy Murray during a changeover of their semifinal match. Berdych claims that he said (to himself): “good play, Tomas”. As the audio failed to pick up exactly what Berdych said, there was really no way of knowing whether his comments were an attempt to supplement his own spirits or destabilise Murray’s mental state. Regardless, the Scot wasn’t impressed, believing that Berdych had exceeded the ethical boundaries of the sport.

On Wednesday in Montreal, though, there is no question that Nick Kyrgios took his determination to win too far with his remarks to Stan Wawrinka during their second round match.

Kyrgios eventually won the match, with Stan retiring with a back injury in the third set. Although he won, the Australian failed to win the first set of the match. The set had been an arduous affair for both players. Kyrgios had found himself up an early break against the French Open champion. However, Wawrinka was able to fight back and reclaim the break of serve. Although Kyrgios was able to set up some more break chances, the Swiss was able to save them with shots like this stunning backhand.

Wawrinka would go on to claim the first set 10-8 in a tense tiebreak. Frustrated, Kyrgios took a shot at Stan’s personal life while serving in the first game of the next set. He uttered for viewers at home, myself included, to hear: “Kokkinakis banged your girlfriend. Sorry to tell you mate.” You can find another summary of the incident, including a video of it, here.

The ‘girlfriend’ who Kyrgios referred to is believed to be 19-year old Croatian WTA star Donna Vekic.

From the broadcast, it didn’t appear that Wawrinka had heard Kyrgios’ sledge. After this year’s French Open, we all know how the Stanimal reacts to digs at his personal life. Needless to say, Stan’s post match press conference will be interesting.

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It needs to be said though that this is perhaps a lowlight for Nick Kyrgios: a startling achievement given his on-court antics over the past year. Tennis fans have become accustomed to the boisterous Australian, who yells and mutters at himself during matches, and generally seems happier producing entertainment for crowds than quality tennis.

His latest antics have major consequences though. It is highly offensive and unethical to integrate another player’s public and personal lives. It wouldn’t be a surprise if compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis, who he referred to, is affected by Kyrgios’ comments.

To a greater extent, his statement was highly slanderous towards Donna Vekic, who at 19-years old really shouldn’t have her personal life thrust into the spotlight, especially if it’s just because some Australian lost a set of tennis.

It’s surely going to be taken badly by Stan. What Kyrgios said (and it’s connotations about Stan and Vekic’s relationship) hasn’t even been substantiated, so there’s every chance that he has just perpetuated a vicious and false rumour.

And finally, it really just represents shocking sportsmanship. It sets a terrible example for all of the young Australian players who admire Kyrgios, and now think that it may be acceptable to slander an opponent.

Given that the match just ended, it’s unclear whether Kyrgios will receive any form of punishment from the ATP. In my opinion, he should, least of all for employing a disparaging, hurtful tactic in an attempt to win a match . After all, players are fined for cursing. It may sound dramatic, but at the very least Kyrgios should have to answer to his actions, and publicly apologise to the people implicated by what he said.

There’s an argument to be made that what Kyrgios said provides great entertainment for tennis fans, or that what he said is acceptable because he’s ‘only 20′ and still learning how to deal with life in the limelight – both dubious arguments at best. But this isn’t entertainment. It’s acerbic, nasty and defamatory, unlike Kyrgios’ more juvenile shenanigans of matches past.

And unlike past incidents, Nick Kyrgios really did take things too far this time.

Do you also think that Kyrgios was in the wrong and should take responsibility for his comments? Or do you think I’ve been too harsh on the young Australian (who is only 20 after all)? Let us know in the comments below!

Did Nick Kyrgios Go Too Far?

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