‘Show some respect’: Nick Kyrgios’ final act of ‘defiance’ in royal meeting

Not even a meeting with the Duchess of Cambridge could convince Nick Kyrgios to follow the rules for his last act at Wimbledon.

Nick Kyrgios wore red after seeing red at some people in he stands. (Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP)

Nick Kyrgios just couldn’t help himself.

Tennis’ anti-establishment poster boy was his own man right until the very end at Wimbledon, even after losing his first ever grand slam final.

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Novak Djokovic claimed his 21st major title with a four-set win over Kyrgios in the early hours of Monday morning (AEST), showing all his experience in big moments to tame his Aussie rival and the most dangerous serve on the circuit.

There were the usual blow-ups from Kyrgios’ side of the court — at his own entourage and misbehaving fans — and while his level of play was superb in the opening set, he couldn’t maintain the standard needed to dethrone Djokovic across the rest of the match.

Getting ready for the on-court trophy presentation, Kyrgios changed into his red Nike cap — once again knowingly breaking Wimbledon’s strict all-white dress code before receiving his runner-up silverware from the Duchess of Cambridge.

Players are required to wear clothing that is almost entirely white from the time they enter the arena at Wimbledon to the time they leave the court, and Kyrgios had been pulled up by a reporter for disregarding protocol after his fourth round win over Brandon Nakashima.

Told he’d receive a fine for his fashion faux pas, the Australian said at the time: “I do what I want.”

That attitude extended all the way to the decider and his meeting with royalty. The Duchess of Cambridge is the royal patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club — so would be well aware of the rules — but Kyrgios still dared to don his red cap when she handed him his trophy on Centre Court.

Kyrgios was his own man until the very end. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

As is custom, the Duchess of Cambridge presented both players with their silverware. (Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP)

Kyrgios wanted to add a splash of colour to his outfit. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

British tennis writer Mike Dickson called Kyrgios’ rogue move a “final act of defiance”, while plenty of others on social media also weighed in.

Editor Kevin Palmer tweeted: “A rebel to the end. Nick Kyrgios has been told not to wear his red hat on Centre Court. He simply doesn’t care!!”

Journalist Uche Amako wrote: “Real zero f**** vibe from Nick Kyrgios as he receives his runners up plate with his red Nike Jordan cap on.”

Reporter Rayane Tamer said: “Nick Kyrgios … in a … red hat for the grand final formalities. Sending a message.”

Todd Balym tweeted: “Ok Nick, you lost & you were a good sport in the handshake with Novak. But lose the effing red hat. Show some respect to the tournament & traditions while you’re still centre stage.”

Kyrgios receiving the runner up trophy with a red cap.

Big fine coming.

— José Morgado (@josemorgado) July 10, 2022

Not #Kyrgios accepting the runners up trophy in that red cap lol!!!! This guy 😩, he's going to get fined #Wimbledon

— Rita Mensah (@justRitaMensah) July 10, 2022

After being put in the spotlight for his choice of headwear — and slipping on red shoes too — against Nakashima, Kyrgios stuck to tradition in his quarter-final win over Cristian Garin. However, he was back at his colourful best for the final match at Wimbledon in 2022.

Following his five-set win over Nakashima last week, Kyrgios shut down a journalist who tried to press him on the issue during a media conference.

Reporter: It’s interesting your comments earlier about the controversy that just seems to materialise around you. We all know the Wimbledon dress code rules are very strict. Competitors must be dressed in suitable tennis attire that’s almost entirely white - and this applies from the moment in which the player enters the court surrounds. Why then would you walk on to centre court with bright red trainers on and do an interview in a red cap?

Kyrgios: Because I do what I want.

Reporter: So you’re above the rules?

Kyrgios: No. I’m not above the rules.

Reporter: So what is it? They don’t apply to you?

Kyrgios: I just like wearing my Jordans.

Reporter: But there are rules specifically against that. I don’t want to spoil the surprise but the referee’s going to be speaking to you about it.

Kyrgios: That’s OK. I’ll wear some triple whites tomorrow.

Reporter: But that’s fine then. No one else, in both draws, wears …

Kyrgios: But no one else - even after Wimbledon - no one else really walks with Jordans on the court.

(Moderator tries to interject)

Reporter: Sorry, but Nick has just moaned about the controversy that surrounds him.

Kyrgios: I haven’t moaned. I love it.

Reporter: So you just laugh it off then?

Kyrgios: Yeah, it’s just more attention for me. What’s that saying? Any publicity is good publicity, right?

Reporter: If you say so.

Kyrgios: Keep doing you then champion.