Nick Kyrgios DEFENDS arch rival Stefanos Tsitsipas after Greek star was slammed for labelling Aussie ‘uneducated’ in Netflix’s Break Point series: ‘We are all good’
Nick Kyrgios has responded to Stefanos Tsitsipas’s comments on Netflix’s Break Point, insisting he has no issue with the Greek’s remarks.
Tsitsipas blasted Kyrgios’s ‘NBA basketball attitude’ and that his approach to the sport was ‘uneducated’ following their heated battle at Wimbledon last year.
Those comments have been subsequently criticised online, and the world No 5 posted a lengthy apology.
‘Today, I want to address a matter that has been weighing heavily on my heart; an unfortunate misunderstanding that has a distorted picture of my intentions,’ Tsitsipas wrote.
‘It has come to my attention that some individuals have misinterpreted my comments regarding Nick Kyrgios, labeling him as uneducated and accusing him of bringing a basketball mentality into tennis, insinuating racism where none exists.’
Nick Kyrgios has defended Stefanos Tsitsipas after his Break Point remarks
Tsitsipas branded Kyrgios ‘uneducated’ after their epic Wimbledon battle
But Kyrgios understood Tsitsipas’s emotions after their match in London
Tsitsipas insisted that he ‘deeply’ regretted his comments that he ‘simply intended to express my perspective on certain aspects of his playing style, drawing comparisons to the passion and intensity often associated with basketball.’
He said: ‘I want to emphasize that I harbour no prejudice towards anyone based on their background, ethnicity, or interests. I deeply regret if my words were misinterpreted or caused offence, as that was never my intention.’
Despite sharing a hostile rivalry on the court, Kyrgios has defended the Greek.
He posted on Twitter: ‘It was a very heated battle. Sometimes as players we go into these press conferences without digesting the match… We’ve had some crazy battles and I know deep down you like my brand of tennis. We are all good.’
Before the episode went to air, Tsitsipas has complained about how the show focused on drama over tennis.
‘I’m not a big fan of the whole production. They could’ve done a significantly better job. I’m a bit disappointed there,’ he said.
‘What we get here has more to do with gossip & soap opera. That doesn’t belong there in my opinion.’