Wimbledon 2019: Nick Kyrgios admits trying to hit Rafael Nadal during fiery clash
There is plenty of bad blood between the pair and their spat looked like it might spill out on to court at the business end of the third set
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Nick Kyrgios has admitted to deliberately trying to hit Rafael Nadal with a stinging forehand shot during their bad-tempered Wimbledon second round clash.
There is plenty of bad blood between the pair dating back to Nadal’s objections to Kyrgios’ underarm serves at a tournament in Acapulco earlier this year, and their spat looked as if it might spill out on to court at the business end of their thrilling third set on Thursday.
Approaching the net, Kyrgios thundered a forehand straight at Nadal and did not apologise when it struck him squarely in the chest, earning himself a stern glare from his opponent.
And, in a tense post-match press conference, Kyrgios readily admitted that he had deliberately intended to hit his rival.
“I mean, the dude has got how many Slams, and how much money in the bank account?” Kyrgios said. “I think he can take a ball in the chest, bro. I’m not going to apologise to him at all.
“Yeah, I was going for him. Yeah, I wanted to hit him square in the chest.”
Nadal eventually had the last laugh, progressing to the third round with a 6-3 3-6 7-6 (5) 7-6 (3) victory, and commented afterwards that Kyrgios failed to show him “respect”.
“The history of this sport is respect,” he commented.
“It’s dangerous. Not dangerous for me, but for the line umpire or someone else. This ball can go anywhere – it hits me, no problem.”
“I’m not angry at him, but I just wanted to play a game of tennis.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments