Wimbledon releases statement after Nick Kyrgios charged with assaulting ex-girlfriend Chiara Passari

The tennis star, who plays in a Wimbledon quarter-final on Wednesday, is accused of assaulting his former partner Chiara Passari.

Nick Kyrgios of Australia plays a forehand against Brandon Nakashima during their match. Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Nick Kyrgios has been charged with assaulting his ex-girlfriend.

The 27-year-old is due to face court in Canberra next month.

The maximum sentence for common assault is two years in jail.

The tennis star, who plays in a Wimbledon quarter-final on Wednesday night, is accused of grabbing his former partner Chiara Passari.

Nick Kyrgios and his ex-girlfriend Chiara Passari

Nick Kyrgios plays a forehand against Brandon Nakashima at Wimbledon (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

“ACT Policing can confirm a 27-year-old Watson man is scheduled to face the ACT Magistrates Court on the 2nd of August in relation to one charge of common assault following an incident in December 2021,” police said on Tuesday.

Barrister Jason Moffett told the Canberra Times that Kyrgios was aware of the charge.

“It’s in the context of a domestic relationship,” Mr Moffett said.

“The nature of the allegation is serious, and Mr Kyrgios takes the allegation very seriously.

“Given the matter is before the court … he doesn’t have a comment at this stage, but in the fullness of time we’ll issue a media release.”

Kyrgios was approached by reporters after he practised at Wimbledon on Tuesday.

Nick Kyrgios at a practice session after it was revealed he's facing an assault charge. Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

He didn’t answer any of their questions but said to one of his team members “I feel like I’m in the Last Dance”, appearing to reference a scene from the Michael Jordan documentary where he was surrounded by a large contingent of media.

Kyrgios also posted a photo on Instagram showing him interacting with a young girl at Wimbledon.

“This is why I play. To all my youngsters out there, believe in yourself,” he captioned the image, alongside a heart emoji.

The All England Club, which runs the Wimbledon tournament, released a statement confirming Kyrgios’ quarterfinal would go ahead.

“We have been made aware of legal proceedings involving Nick Kyrgios in Australia, and as they are ongoing, we are not in a position to offer a comment,” the statement read. “We are in touch with Nick’s team and he remains scheduled to play his quarter-final match tomorrow.”

Nick Kyrgios posted this picture of him chatting with a young fan after the charge came to light (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Passari and the tennis star started dating in the middle of 2020, just three months after Kyrgios split from Russian tennis player Anna Kalinskaya.

They dated on-and-off for about 18 months, before Kyrgios confirmed he was in a new relationship with Costeen Hatzi in December last year.

Nick Kyrgios and Chiara Passari. Picture: Instagram

Chiara Passari PICTURE: Instagram

Kyrgios faces Chilean Cristian Garin for a spot in the Wimbledon semi-finals on Wednesday night (AEST), after shrugging off a shoulder injury to beat Brandon Nakashima in five sets in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

The Australian was a changed man just two days after his stormy third-round victory against Greek fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Kyrgios looked to be in trouble when Nakashima broke for 4-3 in the fourth and took the set courtesy of a lazy Kyrgios service game.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 04: Nick Kyrgios of Australia interacts with partner Costeen Hatzi prior to a training session on day eight of The Championships Wimbledon 2022 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 04, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

But he rallied in the decider, passing the 100-ace mark for the tournament and breaking twice to secure the win.

Kyrgios, who needed regular physio treatment, hammered 79 winners, including 35 aces.

The last time the 40th-ranked player reached the last eight at a major was at the Australian Open in 2015, a year after he reached the same stage on his debut at the All England Club.

But he is seen as a major threat to Nadal, whom he beat on his way to the quarter-finals in 2014.

Nick Kyrgios with his current girlfriend Costeen Hatzi. Picture: Instagram

Kyrgios said he was trying to stay “in the moment”.

“I’m not thinking about lifting a trophy or making semi-finals or making the final,” he said.

“I’m just thinking about my habits every day, just trying to put in a good performance on the court, then put in a good practice session, try to stay positive, try to really separate.

“You know, once I’m off the court, enjoy time with my team, my girlfriend, and just really enjoy that, then get into the game mode.”

The 27-year-old has made the quarter-finals having played two five-setters, thrilled and confounded spectators while picking up $14,000 in fines.

“I sit here now in the quarter-finals of Wimbledon again, and I just know there’s so many people that are so upset,” Kyrgios said after his most recent win.

His only Grand Slam win came in the men’s doubles at this year’s Australian Open, alongside fellow Aussie Thanasi Kokkinakis.

Kyrgios was born and raised in Canberra.