Tennis news 2023: Nick Kyrgios replies to Stefanos Tsitsipas statement over Netflix doco

The heated rivalry between Stefanos Tsitsipas and Nick Kyrgios has taken a surprise twist, with the controversial Australian weighing in on the latest saga.

Stefanos Tsitsipas has issued a lengthy apology to Nick Kyrgios. Picture: Getty Images

Nick Kyrgios has been called a “gentleman” after his uncharacteristic response to rival Stefanos Tsitsipas’s 600 word long statement clarifying controversial comments he made about the Aussie star in a Netflix documentary.

The comments aired in an episode of Break Point on Netflix this week with the Greek player calling Kyrgios “uneducated” and taking a swipe at his style of tennis.

Tsitsipas penned a lengthy statement, which stopped short of using the word sorry, to clarify his comments.

Kyrgios has responded overnight via Twitter, posting: “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 @steftsitsipas”.

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 @steftsitsipashttps://t.co/5y6dwP5zSM

— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) June 24, 2023

Other fans were quick to point out how mature and uncharacteristic the statement was from Kyrgios.

“Kygrios having the most mature response to this fiasco is interesting.” one fan wrote.

Another said: “ I have to applaud this and It was unexpected!”

Another applauded his statement: “ That’s so cool from Nick! Putting water in the fire and being truly gentleman, good to see!“.

Kyrgios proved he was still himself though in this exchange on the post.

A fan asked if he planned to apologise to Nadal after the below exchange.

“ Journalist: “Did you aim it straight at Nadal?”

Kyrgios: “I was going for him, yeah. I wanted to hit him square in the chest. I’m not going to apologise “

Kyrgios replied via Twitter:” no I meant that”.

RIVAL’S 676-WORD KYRGIOS STATEMENT OVER RACIAL STORM

Stefanos Tsitsipas has penned a lengthy statement to clarify his comments regarding Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios after labelling him “uneducated” in the Netflix documentary Break Point – claiming it was all an “unfortunate misunderstanding”.

The rivalry between the Greek star and Aussie came to a head at Wimbledon last year when Kyrgios defeated Tsitsipas in the third round in four sets.

A slew of mud-slinging ensued at the post-match press conference and on social media.

The rivalry was put back in the spotlight this week when the latest episode of the second season Break Point aired on Netflix.

Stefanos Tsitsipas made the comments on the Netflix documentary. Picture: Getty Images

In the episode Tsitsipas labelled Kyrgios as “uneducated” and accused him of bringing a basketball mentality into tennis.

“He has brought that NBA basketball attitude to tennis. I would describe it as an uneducated approach of playing tennis. But you know tennis is a gentleman’s sport, it’s all about respect. We are not playing basketball. I feel he was trying to destroy my rhythm. He kept putting his towel in my box,” Tsitsipas said in the episode.

Tsitsipas has early this morning released a lengthy statement on his Facebook page attempting to clarify his comments.

Big statement from Tsitsipas regarding this quotes during the Netflix Show. https://t.co/bdmdqpVHxYpic.twitter.com/U7cWyvtv3a

— José Morgado (@josemorgado) June 23, 2023

He says it was an “unfortunate misunderstanding that has a distorted picture of my intentions”.

Tsitsipas said he has no prejudice towards anyone based on their background, ethnicity or interests.

“My previous remarks regarding Nick Kyrgios were not meant to undermine his intelligence or abilities,” the statement read.

“Instead, I simply intended to express my perspective on certain aspects of his playing style, drawing comparisons to the passion and intensity often associated with basketball.

“It was an attempt to highlight the dynamic and captivating nature of his approach to the game, not a criticism of his character or capabilities.”

Tsitsipas then details how he himself faced prejudice growing up in Greece.

“The economic turmoil that gripped my beloved country was accompanied by an insidious phenomenon, the one of nation-labelling,” he wrote.

“People began to judge and categorise individuals based solely on their Greek nationality, ascribing blame and making sweeping generalisation about an entire population.

“In the eyes of the world, we were reduced to mere stereotypes, shouldering the burden of a nation’s struggles, regardless of our individual circumstances or contributions.

Nick Kyrgios and Stefanos Tsitsipas clashed at Wimbledon last year. Picture: Getty Images

“I experienced first-hand the sting of prejudice and discrimination.

“Suddenly, I became the target of hurtful words, exclusion, and judgment simply because of my Greek heritage.

“The relationships I had cherished changed overnight, leaving me feeling isolated and disheartened.

“As I confronted the harsh realities of racism, I vowed to rise above it, to prove that my worth and identity were not defined by the economic circumstances of my country.”

Tsitsipas finishes his statement by committing to be “more mindful” of his words and the impact they may have.