Wimbledon 2022 is all abuzz about Nick Kyrgios and it’s nothing new since the charismatic Aussie is always getting people talking about him. Kyrgios is undeniably a talented tennis player, but some argue that he has so far struggled to meet his potential on the ATP tour. His controversial on-court antics, which was followed by memorable outbursts and record-breaking fines, have consistently divided the sport’s fan base.
And as he continues his run on Wimbledon on Monday, Kyrgios is on it again. He defeated 20-year-old American Brandon Nakashima on Centre Court, 4-6 6-4 7-6 3-6 6-2. This sets him up for a last-eight clash against Cristian Garin.
Compared to his feisty third-round affair with Stefanos Tsitsipas, Kyrgios took a far more toned-down approach to the match with Nakashima, some don’t take well with his route to the quarters at SW19.
A commenter wrote, “Kyrgios can only win by cheating. Funny how quickly he can revive when he might go out. All the time, he tries to out of his opponent. Despicable and a disgrace to the sport.”
Another commenter was hoping that Nakashima will put an end to Kyrgios’ winning streak at the All England Club.
“I hope Nakashima thrashes him, despite all Kyrgios’ delaying tactics,” they said. A third reader slammed his lack of respect for the sport: “Got no manners [or] no respect for the game. He won’t be around long. Big mouths normally disappear up their own where the sun don’t shine. Don’t like him one bit.”
Kyrgios’ antics made him unpopular among a mix of the older generation and those who want to watch tennis for the sake of tennis alone. He tends to resonate with the casual fans and younger audience though, those who want to be entertained outside of the ball-hitting action.
Say what you want about Kyrgios, but he always seems to get the crowd watching the action live on his side. This has helped boost his impressive run to the quarter-finals at this year’s Wimbledon. But his recent match with Stefanos Tsitsipas and his successful attempts to turn the crowd on the Greek star ruffled the feathers of the impartial BBC commentary team.
“So… where do you stand on Nick Kyrgios – tennis’ popular pantomime villain? Do you enjoy the extra entertainment he often brings to the court? Is that even partly why you tune in to watch him in action at Wimbledon? Or have you had enough of his antics and want him to taste defeat in the quarter-finals?” they said.
