Rafael Nadal completely blindsided after Kyrgios loss: "He lacks respect"
Tennis champion Rafael Nadal has delivered a harsh reality check to Nick Kyrgios, saying he “lacks respect” after the Australian 23-year-old beat the world number two at the Mexico Open.
Putting on his best performance in two years, Kyrgios saved three match points to register a 3-6, 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (8/6) win.
But controversy seems to follow the young Aussie athlete wherever he goes, and this time was no exception, as what was considered a monumental moment in his career was soon drowned out by Nadal’s comments in the media conference that took place after the match.
“He’s a player who has enormous talent, could be winning grand slams or fighting for the number one ranking,” Nadal said in Spanish.
“He lacks respect for the crowd, his opponent and towards himself.”
He then continued saying: “I don’t think he’s a bad guy, but he lacks a little respect for the public and the rival.”
The Spaniard’s frustration came after several flashpoints which occurred during the match.
Just. Wow. 👀@NickKyrgios produces a moment of magic in Acapulco 🔥@AbiertoTelcel pic.twitter.com/oOnIa5Y1mg
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) 28 February 2019
During the first set, Kyrgios seemed to not be taking the game seriously, and even toyed with the idea of pulling out of the match.
“I feel sick … if I forfeit, the media will blow it up … I’ll be booed off the court,” said Kyrgios during the set.
“I’m going to try to play a couple of more games.”
The Aussie star then received a warning after he told the crowd to “shut up” and was caught swearing.
Nadal seemed to be growing increasingly frustrated at his opponent, as Kyrgios lodged a complaint to the umpire, saying the 32-year-old was taking too long in between points when Kyrgios was serving.
But despite the bitter feud, Kyrgios put on a show and saved nine break points throughout the match, including a comeback from 0-40 in the final two sets.
This was considered Kyrgios’ best win since the Cincinnati Masters in 2017, when he beat Nadal for the first time in a quarter-final.
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