Rafael Nadal had enough of Nick Kyrgios’ antics; the Spaniard slams Nick Kyrgios for showing a lack of respect towards him, the crowd, and even himself.
Nick Kyrgios faced Rafa in the second round of the Acapulco International (Mexican Open) in Mexico. The first-seeded Nadal was the favorite coming into the match but lost it in three valiantly fought sets. Then World No. 78, Nick, defeated him after making a comeback from a set behind. Kyrgios winning the match 3-6, 7-6, 7-6.
Not only did the Australian survive a Nausea and stiff back, Kyrgios also defended three match points over Nadal to book his seat in the next round. However, the results of the match aren’t enough to justify or showcase the antics that were being constantly used by the Australian star.
The match had it all, from numerous interruptions to Nick using an underhand serve to break Nadal’s focus. After going down a set, Kyrgios went through a medical checkup from his trainer and said that he felt sick. However, just a few minutes later he would be back up to face Nadal for the remaining rounds. He also said that it would have ‘blown up’ by the media if he didn’t continue.
ok *NOW* this match has had everything… @AbiertoTelcel @NickKyrgios
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) February 28, 2019
👀 pic.twitter.com/VpQKXduX0V
During the match, the Australian shushed the crowd and screamed at them. ‘Shut Up’, he said to quite the audience disturbing him and Nadal. He called up his trainer again in the second and third sets to complain about his sore back during the medical timeout.
Nadal seemed disappointed by the loss, but he did decide to speak out on the antics that were constantly in play during their match. He called out his Australian opponent for not carrying himself with respect. Although he appreciated Nick’s talent, he made sure to give him a stern warning for his behavior on the court.
“He is a player with huge talent and could be winning Grand Slams or fighting for the number one ranking. But he lacks respect for the public, the opponent and for himself,” the Spaniard said to ESPN.
Nick Kyrgios wins the Mexican Open, responds to the critical remarks of Rafael Nadal
Nick Kyrgios won the 2019 Mexican Open and chirped back at the comments of Rafael Nadal on his behavior and on-court demeanor.
The Australian defeated the second-seeded Alexander Zverev in straight sets to capture the Mexican Open title. He won the final 6–3, 6–4.
He also responded to the comments made by his second-round opponent Rafael Nadal. Furthermore, he said that both he and Nadal were different players coming from different backgrounds and that he didn’t want others to comment on his style of play.
“I’m different, Rafa’s different. He can focus on what he needs to do. He doesn’t know the journey I’ve been through. He doesn’t know anything about me so I’m not going to listen at all. It’s the way I play.”
