Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios defied Wimbledon's strict all-white dress code by wearing a red baseball cap on the hallowed Centre Court turf. Now it turns out he's been fined for using language that was just as colourful – in front of royalty that included eight-year-old Prince George.
Kyrgios accepted his runners-up trophy from the Duchess of Cambridge after defeat to Novak Djokovic in the men's singles final on Sunday. He said he "felt like he belonged" in a Grand Slam final – but claimed, "I'm not supposed to be a Wimbledon finalist."
The 27-year-old was gifted a place in his first Grand Slam final after Rafa Nadal was forced to pull out of his semi-final match due to injury. Facing Djokovic, the man 40th in the world rankings started superbly to take the first set in 31 minutes, but was ranting after losing five consecutive points before losing the third set, reports The Mirror.
Read next: Wimbledon fans concerned for fully suited Prince George in 30C heat
That was after he had requested a female spectator to be escorted from Centre Court. “The one who looks like she's had about 700 drinks, bro!" he said. He was later fined $4,000 for an audible obscenity in front of royalty.
There is never a dull moment with Kyrgios. He sent down 30 aces – and one serve at 136mph – and an underarm serve amid a typically entertaining encounter where Djokovic simply proved to be too good.
In the immediate aftermath, asked by Sue Barker if this had given him the hunger for more finals, he shot back: “Absolutely not, I am so tired, honestly. I definitely need a well-earned vacation after this one.”
It remains to be seen if serial underachiever Kyrgios will now be a one-final wonder or a serial contender. His court appearance in Canberra next month, where he has been charged with assault by an ex-friend, will also have a big influence on his immediate future.
Later, he had another take. “I feel like if I had won today, I would have struggled with motivation,” Kyrgios claimed. “Coming back for other tournaments, I would have really struggled. I kind of achieved the greatest pinnacle of what you can achieve in tennis. But my level is right there. I felt like I belonged.”
“I'm just not supposed to be here,” he continued. “I'm a kid from Canberra. I just feel ridiculous to be here talking as a Wimbledon finalist. This is just the example, like, anything's possible really. Someone like me is able to go out there and give Novak Djokovic, keep him out there for three hours in a Wimbledon final, it's pretty cool.”
READ NEXT:
Kate Middleton and Prince William beam as George attends his very first Wimbledon final
Wimbledon: Kate Middleton 'mortified' after dad's embarrassing Tim Henman encounter
Kate Middleton was 'banned' from Wimbledon despite begging to be allowed to go
Duchess of Cambridge attends Wimbledon rewearing £1,500 dress
Wimbledon 2022: Why Kate Middleton always wears the same accessory to The Championships
