"Nick Kyrgios can criticize a lot, but he never takes it well" - Zizou Bergs hits back at Aussie for denouncing his French Open celebration as 'lame'
Zizou Bergs has given a sharp response to Nick Kyrgios' criticism of his spirited celebration at the 2024 French Open. The Belgian also disclosed why he didn't replicate the celebration at other Grand Slam events outside Roland Garros.
Bergs made a career breakthrough at this year's French Open, reaching the third round of a Major for the first time in his career. After reaching the main draw through the qualifiers, the Belgian defeated Alejandro Tabilo 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-2, 6-2 in his opening match, followed by a 3-6, 6-3, 6-1, 6-3 win over Maximilian Marterer before falling short against Grigor Dimitrov.
With his second-round win, the 25-year-old broke into the top 100 of the ATP rankings for the first time in his career. Bergs' delight regarding his milestone win was palpable as he celebrated by loudly asking the crowd, 'Waar is da feestie?,' meaning 'Where is the party?,' with the spectators passionately responding, 'Hier is da feestie' (Here is the party).
In a recent interview, Zizou Bergs explained that the celebration was inspired by the "ridiculous" atmosphere he experienced at the claycourt Major, expressing his gratitude for the support from the crowd.
The Belgian also revealed why he didn't replicate the celebration at Wimbledon, explaining that the All England Club had a "different and unique" vibe with less noise from the spectators.
"I've got to say, the atmosphere in the French Open was ridiculous. It was so good from the first day of quallies until the last day I was playing there. Surreal. I was really grateful for that. Everything depends on how the atmosphere is going during the match," Bergs said in an exclusive interview with CLAY.
"In Wimbledon, there’s a whole other vibe. It is different and unique. Less loud, more classic. It was quite funny, because after the French Open, every tournament I was playing I hear so many people shouting, ‘where is the party?’ Also in one on-court interview after a victory in s-Hertogenbosch the presentator asked me at the end ‘where is the party’. It's a lot of fun that the fans are vibing with me," he added.
While Bergs' celebration garnered appreciation from fans, Nick Kyrgios expressed his disdain for the Belgian's gesture on social media at the time.
"Lame," Nick Kyrgios commented on X.
Although Zizou Bergs admitted to liking Kyrgios, he asserted that it was disappointing for the Australian to label his celebration as "lame." The 25-year-old contended that while Nick Kyrgios was quick to dish out criticism, he rarely handled it well when the tables were turned.
"I barely know him (Nick Kyrgios), but I have to say I do really like him. On court he's doing things a little bit differently. To say "lame" is a little bit less nice from him. He can criticize a lot, but when he gets criticized, he never takes it well. I'm not surprised that he's saying this (laughs)," he said.
"I don't really have an idol but players like Nick Kyrgios, Benoit Paire, they are completely different" - Zizou Bergs
Zizou Bergs has expressed his admiration for Nick Kyrgios' unique on-court personality previously as well. In a 2021 interview with RTBF, the Belgian disclosed that while he didn't idolize any specific player, he appreciated players like Kyrgios and Benoit Paire, both of whom are known for their fiery conduct during matches.
Bergs also acknowledged drawing inspiration from his compatriots David Goffin and Steve Darcis but emphasized that he was focused on developing his own game instead of other players.
"I don't really have an idol. But players like Nick Kyrgios, Benoit Paire, they are completely different guys, and I am also different from them, but it's cool to watch. Afterwards, there is especially David Goffin. And Shark (Steve Darcis) who inspired me a lot before too. But I try to focus on myself, and not on others. I am a player who is starting out, with confidence in my weapons," Bergs said.
Zizou Bergs most recently competed at the 2024 China Open, where he suffered a first-round loss to Lorenzo Musetti. The Belgian will be in action at the Shanghai Masters next, taking on home favorite Zhang Zhizhen in his opening match.