Angry tennis fans accuse bad boy Nick Kyrgios of disrespecting Roger Federer’s emotional last game as Aussie takes a shot at Novak Djokovic – but stunning detail shows polarising star might not be to blame
- Roger Federer has retired after winning 20 grand slams and six Aussie Opens
- He left the game a champion, playing one last time at the Rod Laver Cup
- Kyrgios posted about Federer’s retirement, which earned the ire of many fans
- However a missing detail from his post changes the perspective dramatically
Polarising Aussie tennis star Nick Kyrgios has been flamed online once again, this time for comments made about retiring legend Roger Federer – but is all what it seem?
Reports have emerged showing a partial image of a Kyrgios Instagram story with an image of Federer and fellow tennis heavyweights Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in the background.
Nadal is crying and Djokovic is smiling and clapping respectfully in the image.
The full Instagram story that Kyrgios was posted, including the top message that was cropped out by some media outlets
Kyrgios posted an Instagram story that included the comment: ‘Novak knows his chance for slams is better now. Rafa is shattered’.
The Serbian champion and Kyrgios have had their differences in the past, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, Kyrgios defended the former world No.1 when Australian authorities prevented him from playing the 2022 Australian Open because of his vaccination status.
An emotional Rodger Federer with Rafael Nadal after he says goodbye to tennis as he retires
Fans were quick to seize on Kyrgios’ latest post, attacking him for apparently disrespecting Federer’s retirement and the champion players who lined up beside him during his farewell at the inaugural Laver Cup on Saturday.
‘Nobody gonna to be crying when NK retires. Unless they’re tears of joy,’ a Twitter user named Amy posted.
‘Once an idiot always an idiot. Some of you needed reminding,’ added a profile named Audrey.
‘Can’t believe he has the audacity to say this!!! It was such an emotional evening and he thinks saying this is appropriate honestly, what an idiot,’ posted another.
However, Daily Mail Australia can reveal that only part of the Instagram post was published by some media outlets.
The full image included the opening message ‘Goodbye king’ as a mark of respect for Federer, which was cropped out in some reports.
Kyrgios also posted several images of himself and Federer from previous years with the message: ‘no one will ever play the game like you. enjoy it @rogerfederer …… was an honour.’
‘Blessed to have been able to watch this court level a couple times. Thank you,’ Kyrgios’ brother Christos added.
Kyrgios posted a touching message to Federer and a series of photos of them together
Federer and Kyrgios played each other seven times across Swiss champion’s glittering career, with the Aussie only winning once in a tight three-set victory at the ATP Masters 1000 in Madrid in 2015.
Federer retires as not only one of the greatest tennis players of the the Open era with 20 grand slam titles including 20 Australian Opens, but as one of the most humble and likable champions on the circuit.
He played his final ever match alongside Nadal in a doubles match at the Laver Cup, where they were defeated by rising stars Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock 4-6 7-6 (7-2) 11-9 in London.
Nick Kyrgios and Roger Federer speak after the Rally for Relief Bushfire Appeal event at Rod Laver Arena on January 15, 2020 in Melbourne
There were emotional scenes afterwards as Federer and Nadal wept and embraced each other. Nadal is no certainty to ever return to the ATP tour either after his US Open defeat and a history of injuries.
‘It’s been a perfect journey,’ Federer said as he again cried during an on-court interview.
‘I would do it all over again. It’s been a wonderful day. I told the guys I’m happy, not sad.
‘I am so happy I made it through. The match was great and it’s been wonderful.
‘Having Rafa here and all the legends – Rocket (Rod Laver), Stefan Edberg – thank you.’
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