"What a mean-spirited line of questioning, rubbish" - Tennis fans react to Nick Kyrgios dismissing a reporter at Wimbledon press conference
One of the biggest talking points at Wimbledon this year has been Nick Kyrgios. The outspoken Australian tennis star has been making waves with his on-court exploits as well as his statements in press conferences.
The latest bit of controversy surrounding Kyrgios revolves around his outfit. The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club has a very strict dress code policy which adheres to the outfit being almost all white. The Australian was seen wearing a bright red Jordans cap and red shoes at SW19 this year.
Quizzed about his attire, Kyrgios responded by saying that he loves the publicity that he seems to be getting.
"Because I do what I want. I'm not above the rules. Well, I just like wearing my Jordans. But nobody else, even after Wimbledon, no one else really walks with Jordans on the court. I haven't moaned, I love it (controversy). Well, yeah, it's more attention for me. What's that saying? Any publicity is good publicity, right," Nick Kyrgios said.
🗣 "Any publicity is good publicity, right?"
Nick Kyrgios was not taking the bait when asked about his attire at #Wimbledon. 🎣❌
#BBCTennis https://t.co/3YSeY0zIAr
Subsequently, after this press conference, fans took to Twitter to either praise Kyrgios for standing up and doing what he wanted to do or lambast him for defying the rules at Wimbledon.
"Tennis snobs need a rude awakening and i'm all for @NickKyrgios in the middle of it," one fan said.
twitter.com/bbcsport/statu…tennis snobs need a rude awakening and i'm all for @NickKyrgios in the middle of it 👊 twitter.com/bbcsport/statu…
One particular fan questioned the line of questioning by the journalist after Kyrgios won an incredible five-setter despite playing through shoulder pain.
"What a mean-spirited line of questioning. You get access to a player who's just won a cracking 5 setter and that's the best you can serve up? Rubbish. Good on Nick for retaining his composure," the fan wrote.
@BBCSport What a mean-spirited line of questioning. You get access to a player who's just won a cracking 5 setter and that's the best you can serve up? Rubbish. Good on Nick for retaining his composure.
@BBCSport How can you not love this guy
@BBCSport I hope this man wins the whole thing. The amount of piss that would boil would be epic!
This journalist sums up everything wrong with Britain. A bunch of bootlicking bureaucracy-obsessed bananas who delight in other peoples' downfall. You can hear the joy in his voice when he tells Kyrgios the referees are going to speak to him. Hate this place! twitter.com/BBCSport/statu…
This man is turning in to the greatest heel of our generation, I hope he wins everything, I hope the strawberry eating posh pimms nonces that blitz their hands over Wimbledon can go and obsess over another sport like fencing or water polo 🗑 twitter.com/bbcsport/statu…
@BBCSport All white dress code? Is this actually a modern day invention. https://t.co/5bl2W9lPdY
@BBCSport All the journalists and haters are doing is giving Kyrgios a bigger following/fanbase 🤣 he has everyone on strings. Love it
@BBCSport He’s right though. Haven’t followed a great deal of Wimbledon this year, but the name I’ve heard more than anyone else is Nick Kyrgios. Worst thing they can do is fine him, and Nike’ll probably pay it, and endorse him more. Love or hate him, he’s got the media where he wants them
@JontyRalphsmith @BBCSport Yes, we must uncover the Truth about the red sneakers and the red cap. Never has journalism been more relevant.
I’m not really a huge fan of the tennis but I love this guy. The line of questioning here from the alleged journalist is absolutely shocking. twitter.com/bbcsport/statu…
Another set of fans believed that Kyrgios must be reprimanded for defying an age-old tradition at SW19, with some of them praising the journalist for this question.
"One of the things I love about tennis is the gentle, old fashioned, well behaved nature of it. Save the loutish behaviour for football," one user tweeted.
@BBCSport One of the things I love about tennis is the gentle, old fashioned, well behaved nature of it. Save the loutish behaviour for football.
@BBCSport Ooh he's edgy. All he's missing is a leather motorcycle jacket with a gang on the back called "The Rattlesnakes" and a wee toothpick hanging on his lips.
@hitmanharj @BBCSport Wish his tennis was as good as his press conferences
for the interviewer here. In a world of bland sports post match interviews this was good as the guy doesn’t stop until he gets an answer. Too many sports interviews are answered with media taught responses &the press just move on to the next question. Fair play to him@BBCSport A little 👏 for the interviewer here. In a world of bland sports post match interviews this was good as the guy doesn’t stop until he gets an answer. Too many sports interviews are answered with media taught responses &the press just move on to the next question. Fair play to him
@BBCSport Australia is ashamed and embarrassed about this guy. Sorry world. I hate to admit but almost everything in Australia is embarrassing right now. Just ignore us a for a few years please. We'll wake up.
@BBCSport I'm all for characters in sport, especially the pantomime villains at a time where everything seems bland & sanatised, but I just can't warm to Kyrgios; the whole act seems a little bit false to me. However, it has to be said that the Wimbledon dress code is an archaic practice.
Nick Kyrgios to face Cristian Garin in Wimbledon quarterfinals
Nick Kyrgios is gearing up to face Cristian Garin in the quarterfinals of Wimbledon this year. This will be the first meeting between the pair and the winner could potentially face Rafael Nadal in the semifinals.
Kyrgios has battled past Paul Jubb, Filip Krajinovic, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Brandon Nakashima. In his last match, Nakashima pushed him all the way but the 27-year-old survived a five-setter. Despite coming through, he was seemingly struggling with an injury to his right shoulder.
Kyrgios is yet to lose a match in five sets at Wimbledon. He has won all six matches that have gone the distance at SW19.