Nick Kyrgios plumbs new depths when it comes to sledging in sport.
Australian Nick Kyrgios is something of a bad boy in the tennis world and he did his reputation no favours with an act of zero class during a clash with Stan Wawrinka at the Montreal Masters tournament.
After losing the first set to the French Open Champion, Kyrgios sledged Wawrinka by saying: “Kokkinakis banged your girlfriend, sorry to tell you that mate,” a comment that was picked up on television cameras.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJRJkpXfUxA
Clip via YouTube/Nadal Le Roi
Kyrgios’s comment is believed to be in relation to Donna Vekic, the 19-year old Croatian tennis player who has been romantically linked to both Wawrinka and Australia tennis player Thanasi Kokkinakis, who she has played doubles with in the past.
After the game, when asked about his comment, Kyrgios didn’t seem too contrite, saying that it was in the heat of the moment and that it was in response to Wawrinka being a bit “lippy” himself.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQ0MFLBJn-g
Clip via YouTube/7to8tgo
Wawrinka, to his credit, managed to remain calm at the time but he issued a dignified criticism of Kyrgios on Twitter afterwards.
So disappointing to see a fellow athlete and colleague be so disrespectful in a way I could never even imagine.
— Stanislas Wawrinka (@stanwawrinka) August 13, 2015
What was said I wouldn't say to my worst enemy.
To stop so low is not only unacceptable but also beyond belief.— Stanislas Wawrinka (@stanwawrinka) August 13, 2015
There is no need for this kind of behaviour on or off the court and I hope the governing body of this sport does not stand…
— Stanislas Wawrinka (@stanwawrinka) August 13, 2015
… for this and stands up for the integrity of this sport that we have worked so hard to build.
— Stanislas Wawrinka (@stanwawrinka) August 13, 2015
