Fans lose it over kiss as Kyrgios ‘misogynistic’ slur storm rages

Jannik Sinner sealed his US Open victory with a kiss and many are trying to throw the special moment in Nick Kyrgios’ face.

Jannik Sinner sealed his US Open victory with a kiss and many are trying to throw the special moment in Nick Kyrgios’ face.

The world No. 1 was far too classy for American Taylor Fritz as he became the first Italian male to win the slam in tennis’ Open era.

Sinner’s victory was shrouded in controversy as he entered the tournament just weeks after a doping violation was made public. It was confirmed last month Sinner had twice tested positive to a banned substance earlier this year, but was allowed to continue playing.

Kyrgios has been Sinner’s most vocal critic and has called for Sinner to serve a doping suspension.

That situation exploded on Sunday when Kyrgios appeared to make a “misogynistic” comment surrounding Sinner’s girlfriend Anna Kalinskaya.

The Russian and Kyrgios dated before the pair ended their relationship in 2020.

Kalinskaya, the world No. 15 player on the WTA rankings, started dating Sinner earlier this year and has been seen in his box for his recent US Open matches.

Anna Kalinskaya kisses Jannik Sinner. Photo: STAN.

Jannik Sinner of Italy celebrates with his girlfriend Anna Kalinskaya. Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images.

During a series of tweet exchanges with Sinner fans, one Twitter user tagged Kyrgios in a photo that showed the 29-year-old with Kalinskaya at an NBA game four years ago.

“Second serve,” Kyrgios replied.

Kyrgios has not elaborated on his comment and has since deleted the tweet, however, many have been angered and have described the comment as “disgusting” and “misogynistic”.

It’s why the scene of Sinner celebrating his tournament victory, world No. 1 status and $3.6 million prize money cheque by kissing Kalinskaya has caused many to poke fun of the Aussie.

Kalinskaya was sitting in Sinner’s player’s box and was greeted with a kiss after he had been mobbed by other members of his team in a wild group hug.

Sinner fans threw shade at Kyrgios, suggesting the Australian would be jealous of the moment Sinnner was enjoying inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Plenty of others just shared their happiness at seeing Kalinskaya and Sinner enjoy a special moment after a tumultuous 48 hours.

Kyrgios watching sinner another slam and kissing kalinskaya: pic.twitter.com/5SiIuqjXhj

— DenizTheTennis (@denizthetenis) September 8, 2024

@NickKyrgios next time you interview Jannik, ask him what does Kalinskaya think of kissing 2x slam champions pic.twitter.com/1wqMVrdiZE

— AllTheSports (@WhatSports10) September 8, 2024

Kyrgios was found dead pic.twitter.com/F6eRWB3oTk

— Marco ~ CAMPIONESSE OLIMPICHE (@marcolino_02) September 8, 2024

🫶 pic.twitter.com/8aKvyKuDZP

— José Morgado (@josemorgado) September 8, 2024

Sinner was notably subdued in his celebrations until he was finally able to reach his supporter’s box after a long walk directed by security staff.

Showing respect to his American opponent in front of a parochial New York crowd, Sinner put his arms in the air but showed little emotion even after shaking hands with Fritz.

There is no doubting now that tennis has moved into the era of Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

“This title means so much,” said Sinner who arrived in New York under a cloud.

“The last period of my career has not been easy but I have my team and family who support me.

“I love tennis but off court there is a life also and I want to dedicate this trophy to my aunt because she is not well and I don’t know how much longer I will have her in my life.

Jannik Sinner was mobbed by his team. Photo: Twitter, US Open.

Jannik Sinner (R) and Taylor Fritz hold their trophies. Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP.

“She was a very important part of my life and still is. It’s nice to share this with her.”

World number 12 Fritz was bidding to be the first American man since Andy Roddick in New York in 2003 to win a major.

He was backed by A-list celebrity support amongst the 23,000-strong crowd inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Pop queen Taylor Swift watched alongside boyfriend and NFL star Travis Kelce while Oscar-winning actor Matthew McConaughey was hard to miss as he donned a Stars and Stripes headband.

Fritz looked devastated after congratulating Sinner at the net and slumped into a chair and hung his head into his own lap as Sinner thanked the crowd.

Fritz needed a moment to compose himself in his post-match on-court interview during the trophy presentation ceremony.

“Being an American at the US Open is just incredible,” he said.

“I’ve been feeling the love all week. Thank you so much. I know we’ve been waiting for a champion for a long time so I’m sorry I couldn’t get it done this time, but I’m gonna keep working and hopefully I’ll get it the next time.”

Meanwhile, ESPN has been put under pressure to leave Kyrgios off its future tennis commentary team’s.

There were calls on Sunday for Kyrgios to be dropped from the TV broadcast, but the Australian still featured.

— with AFP

Originally published as Fans lose it over kiss as Kyrgios ‘misogynistic’ slur storm rages