After a year off, Nick Kyrgios is back on the professional tour for the first time. At the preparatory tournament for the Australian Open, the eccentric causes excitement again.
During the Corona period, Nick Kyrgios seems to have turned into a good person. During the pandemic, the supposed bad boy turns out to be a warning voice of reason – and a role model. While other tennis stars ignore the corona rules, Kyrgios criticizes players like Novak Djokovic or Alexander Zverev with sharp words. At the same time, the 25-year-old lends a hand as a «postman» and delivers purchases home to those in need.
On the pitch, however, Nick Kyrgios remains the same. At the Murray River Open, the Australian will play in round two against compatriot Harry Bourchier on Wednesday. In the second sentence there is a curious scene: Just at the moment when Kyrgios is about to serve, chair referee Nacho Forcadell intervenes and issues a warning about time play. The shot clock, which gives players 25 seconds between serves, had expired.
Usually the referees don’t take it that hard when a professional misses a second or two. Forcadell takes it very carefully on Tuesday, which Kyrgios cannot understand at all. “I was just about to serve and was already on the move,” complains the 25-year-old – and decides without further ado to interrupt the game. “I’m not playing any more, get him (editor’s note: the supervisor) out”, says Kyrgios and goes to the players bench.
Kyrgios: “Tennis is not about him”
The world number 47 tries to explain to the referee that he was already on the move for the service. “Do you find that funny? Why are you doing this? “Asks Kyrgios and shakes his head:” It’s always the same. ”
Head referee Cedric Mourier finally enters the court and tries to calm the Australian hotspur. Kyrgios complains: “Tennis is not about him (referee Forcadell; editor’s note). He’s here to get the whole shit going smoothly, so why is he doing this? ” The supervisor also doesn’t really have an explanation for the referee’s actions and asks Kyrgios to go back on the pitch and continue playing.
The Aussie finally seems to have calmed down, but asks Mourier if he will be punished for his reaction. “No,” is the referee’s clear answer. “I’m staying here and will watch.” Mourier finally sees how Kyrgios clearly prevails in two sets with 6: 2, 7: 6 against Bourchier and moves into the round of 16, where he meets Borna Coric on Friday – provided that Melbourne can play again after a positive Corona test will.
