Australian Kyrgios, ranked 40th in the world rankings, fell in a tiebreak in the first set against Greek world five Tsitsipas in Wimbledon’s third round.
Kyrgios was anything but happy with the line judge awarding a ball that was inside at the end of the first set – and the Australian did not hold back.
– Get a new judge, exclaimed Kyrgios, aimed at the main judge.
And the grumpy islet continued in the second set, but this time it was the Greek who could not control his mood.
A frustrated Tsitsipas swept the ball towards the audience where a spectator almost met. Tsitsipas managed with a warning, while Kyrgios demanded washing dishes.
Points deduction
The Greek then lost his temper again in the third after Kyrgios, according to Tsitsipas, “spexed” too much at a serve.
The angry Greek then sent the ball away again, which resulted in a points deduction.
– He does not respect the opponent, shouted the world five.
Kyrgios had by this time turned the match around and had 2-1 in the set before the fourth – which had to be decided in a thrilling tiebreak.
Once there, it was the Australian who was the strongest and took home the match with the set numbers 3-1.
– It was a fantastic match and an incredible atmosphere. I knew it was going to be a tough match, he’s an incredible player. I had my own tactics, he knows how to play against me, he has beaten me once. It was an incredible match, says Kyrgios in the victory interview.
“Love him”
– I am super happy to be on, he got frustrated on a few occasions, it is a frustrating sport, it is something that is safe. I have the greatest respect for him, I love him.
When asked if Kyrgios was also a little frustrated, he answers:
– It’s unbelievable, it seems to be full stands no matter where I am. The media likes to write that I am bad for the sport, but obviously not.
Elsewhere, world number four Rafael Nadal easily advanced after defeating Italian Lorenzo Sonego, 54th in the world rankings, 3-0 in sets.