Nick Kyrgios is to be warned by Wimbledon after wearing red Air Jordans and a baseball cap on Centre Court.
But the Aussie, who reached his first Grand Slam quarter-final for over seven years, admitted: “What's that's saying? Any publicity is good publicity, right?’
There was no Manic Monday for the first time yesterday but there was predictable mayhem from the world No.40. And in front of all the actor’s in the Royal Box on Centre Court, there was always going to be drama.
He maintained his unbeaten five-set record at the All England Club by beating American Brandon Nakashima 4-6 6-4 7-6 3-6 6-2 win.
And after getting repeated treatment on a sore right shoulder, he claimed he played a “complete rope-a-dope tactic” at the end of the fourth set to throw the 20-year-old American off his rhythm.
But after the nastiness of Saturday night against Stefanos Tsitsipas, Kyrgios was nearly on his best behaviour except for walking out onto the most famous tennis court in the world in red Nike Air Force 1s. And then conducting his post-match interview in the same trainers and red baseball cap.
Wimbledon rules clearly state that players must wear clothes that are predominantly white on court..
And All England Club member Tim Henman said: “He might get a little word in his ear.”
But asked why he wore red clothing, Kyrgios responded: “Because I do what I want. I'm not above the rules. I just like wearing my Jordans.”
Told the referee’s office would speak to him about his attire, he said: “That's okay. I'll wear some Triple Whites tomorrow.”
The incident summed up all the contradictions in this complex character. One minute claiming to be frustrated by the bad publicity that surrounds him - and then seemingly deliberately attracting controversy. “I don't moan,” he claimed. “I love it. More attention for me.”
Are you a fan of Nick Kyrgios' Wimbledon antics? Let us know in the comments section.
Kyrgios performed his usual act of underarm serves and tweeners in front of Stephen Fry and Sir Ian McKellen. But whether it was performing on Centre Court crowd or his sore shoulder, he was more subdued than usual. When he started complaining to the umpire in the fifth set, one spectator shouted out: “Stop moaning!” Unlike after his first round win, the Aussie did not spit in his direction.
He will next play unseeded Cristian Garin as he bids to reach his first ever Grand Slam semi-final. Kyrgios reached his first quarter-final on his debut in 2014 when he shocked Rafa Nadal and also reached the last eight at the 2015 Australian Open.
But the former world No.13 has since admitted struggles with his mental health. “Look, there was a time where my agent had to come get me out of a pub at 4 a.m. before I played Rafa Nadal on Centre Court (Wimbledon 2019). I've come a long way, that's for sure. Obviously being obsessed with my girlfriend (Costeen Hatzi) helps. I'm extremely blessed. I feel like I'm just comfortable in my own skin.”
