Nick Kyrgios is facing more drama away from the tennis court after it emerged the woman who he had ejected from Centre Court during the men’s Wimbledon final is taking legal action against the Australian.
Anna Palus was temporarily ejected from the Wimbledon final after Kyrgios alleged she had ‘700 drinks’ during his four-set defeat to Novak Djokovic. The 32-year-old denies the claim as she insists she had only had two drinks - and was even supporting Kyrgios.
Palus is a Polish medical lawyer and has decided to pursue her legal claim against the 27-year-old tennis star. She has decided to go through with it in order to ‘clear her name’.
She issued a statement through her solicitors Brett Wilson. Palus wrote: “On Sunday 10 July 2022 I attended the final of the Wimbledon tennis championships with my mother. It was an event we had been looking forward to for some time.
“During the course of the final, Nick Kyrgios made a reckless and entirely baseless allegation against me. Not only did this cause considerable harm on the day, resulting in my temporary removal from the arena, but Mr Kyrgios’s false allegation was broadcast to, and read by, millions around the world, causing me and my family very substantial damage and distress.
“I am not litigious, but after much consideration, I have concluded that that I have no alternative but to instruct my solicitors Brett Wilson LLP to bring defamation proceedings against Mr Kyrgios in order to clear my name. The need to obtain vindication, and to prevent repetition of the allegation, are the only reasons for taking legal action.
“Any damages recovered will be donated to charity. Given the extant claim, I am unable to comment further on the events of the day in question. I hope that Mr Kyrgios will reflect on the harm he has caused me and my family and offer a prompt resolution to this matter.
“However, if he is unwilling to do this, I am committed to obtaining vindication in the High Court.”
Kyrgios had asked for Palus to be removed from Centre Court during the final as he appeared to be distracted by her presence in the crowd. The world no.26 went on to lose to Djokovic in an engrossing final as the Serb claimed his 21st Grand Slam title with a 4-6 6-3 6-4 7-6 (7-3) victory.
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The Australian is renowned for his on-court antics and outbursts as well as his press conferences as much as he is known for his sensational shot-making ability. Among other incidents, Kyrgios also spat in the direction of a boisterous fan during the Championships, repeatedly broke Wimbledon’s traditional and strict dress code, and was involved in a heated back-and-forth with a journalist. Kyrgios’ behaviour at Wimbledon also saw him receive multiple fines during the tournament.
Kyrgios recently revealed his battle with mental health, citing struggles with suicidal thoughts, self-harm and alcoholism. He is also set to fight allegations he assaulted ex-girlfriend and model Chiara Passari.
He will attend the ACT Magistrates Court on August 2 to address the allegations, which Passari brought to police in December 2021.
Kyrgios's barrister Jason Moffett told The Canberra Times his client was aware of the allegation, which were 'in the context of a domestic relationship’. He added: “The nature of the allegation is serious, and Mr Kyrgios takes the allegation very seriously.”
