Nick Kyrgios is getting sued for accusing a women at Wimbledon of having too many drinks
Keeping your cool under pressure is important at the very top of the game, something that Australian star occasionally fails to do.
When it comes to making headlines, often for reasons away from the primary activity of the sports star, there are few better than Nick Kyrgios. In his latest off-court clash, the Australian tennis player is being sued by a tennis fan who he targeted at this year’s Wimbledon final. The reaction on social media and beyond has been mixed.
Why is Nick Kyrgios being sued by tennis fan?
The incident occurred during the 2022 Wimbledon final, where Kyrgios faced Novak Djokovic having been handed a bye for the semi-final after Rafa Nadal pulled out due to injury. That may have been a stroke of fortune to help the man from Down Under reach his first Grand Slam final but despite taking the first set, was no match for the Serb who secured yet another title taking the next three on Centre Court.
While his attempts to overcome Djokovic’s powerful drives were proving less than effective, Kyrgios complained to the umpire -- something he’s well known for -- saying that someone in the stands had been talking to him during the points. There is nothing libellous about that in itself but when the umpire asked him to identify the person he replied: “The one with the dress, the one who looks like she’s had about 700 drinks, bro!”
It is for that comment, one that made headlines across the globe, that legal action is being taken.
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Anna Palus: the tennis fan suing Nick Kyrgios
The fan in question is Anna Palus, and a statement released by her solicitors on Tuesday said that Kyrgios had defamed her by making “a reckless and entirely baseless allegation.”
“Not only did this cause considerable harm on the day, resulting in my temporary removal from the arena, but Mr Kyrgios’s false allegation was broadcast to, and read by, millions around the world, causing me and my family very substantial damage and distress,” she said.
Palus had attended the 2022 men’s final with her mother, and has instructed her solicitors, Brett Wilson LLP, to begin legal proceedings against the Australian, highlighting that any damages won from the case will be donated to charity. She also had a message for the 27-year old.
“I hope that Mr Kyrgios will reflect on the harm he has caused me and my family and offer a prompt resolution to this matter,” she said. “However, if he is unwilling to do this, I am committed to obtaining vindication in the High Court.”
As well as this incident, Kyrgios was also criticised across much of the media for using foul language in front of the Royal Box where eight-year-old Prince George was sitting. Clearly there were other people present who may have been offended but they don’t make as good headlines as someone on the line to the throne.