September 8th 2024.
Nick Kyrgios, the Australian tennis player known for his fiery personality, has been adding his unique commentary to ESPN's coverage of the US Open. However, his position as a commentator is now in question after a controversial comment he made about his ex-girlfriend, Anna Kalinskaya.
It all started when a photo of Kyrgios and Kalinskaya at a Lakers game in 2020 surfaced online. In response, Kyrgios wrote on X, "Second serve". This caused quite a stir, especially since Kalinskaya is currently dating world No.1 Jannik Sinner, who is set to play in the US Open men's singles final on Sunday.
When a fan account shared the post and Kyrgios' comment, the Australian tennis player defended himself by saying, "Right...so I'm the bad guy for saying something about it? I never brought it up lol...don't take offense if people are going to bring it up. Simple." However, another user on X called him out, saying, "You truly don't understand what abusive language and respect is towards another human being?" To which Kyrgios replied, "Abusive? What's abusive about what I said? I had no intention to say anything about it. People want to go there, deal with the consequences."
This incident has led to calls for Kyrgios to be removed from his commentator position at ESPN. Jon Wertheim, an American tennis TV commentator, pointed out Kyrgios' past behavior, including a misogynistic comment about a WTA player, and questioned why he hasn't faced any real consequences for his actions.
Tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg also expressed surprise that ESPN did not remove Kyrgios from the air during the US Open final, especially after his recent disparaging tweet about a WTA player. A fan account for Sinner even called Kyrgios "disgusting" and criticized ESPN for keeping him as a commentator.
Meanwhile, Kyrgios has not shied away from publicly criticizing Sinner and calling for him to be banned from the sport. Sinner tested positive for a banned substance in March this year but was allowed to continue playing after a successful appeal. Kyrgios believes this decision is not "fair and equal" to the rest of the players on the ATP Tour.
Kyrgios stands by his words and opinions, stating that he has seen many of his friends go through doping issues and be suspended. He also points out the different processes and outcomes for different players, such as Halep, and believes it is unfair that Sinner has been able to continue playing on his own terms while others have had their careers taken away. Despite his criticism, Kyrgios acknowledges Sinner's talent and potential in the sport.
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