Nick Kyrgios wardrobe change is national betrayal

Nick Kyrgios has caused a stir with an abrupt wardrobe change at Wimbledon just one day after Ash Barty showed her class.

This is a national outrage. Photo: BBC.

Nick Kyrgios has caused a stir at Wimbledon with an abrupt wardrobe change that has left fans scratching their heads.

The Aussie’s post-match ensemble following Carlos Alcaraz’s blistering win over Novak Djokovic in the gentlemen’s singles final has caused some umbrage over his apparent support for England ahead of their Euro 2024 final defeat against Spain.

The former Wimbledon finalist has in the eyes of many been a refreshing voice while commentating the tournament for the BBC, but he appears to have undone a lot of that good public relations work with his pro-England threads.

The sporting rivalry between Australia and the Old Enemy has been at boiling point since the heated 2023 Ashes series in the UK — and it’s why some fans have taken to social media to cheekily suggest the 29-year-old has made a big mistake.

Nick Kyrgios was dressed to kill. Photo: BBC.

Kyrgios looked sharp in his Sunday best when seen on the BBC telecast throughout the final, but UK viewers were greeted with a more casually-attired Kyrgios when it came time for the post-match analysis.

Instead of a dashing grey suit and black shirt, Kyrgios performed a rapid costume change to further endear himself with the locals.

The Sun reported Kyrgios was on a “charm offensive” with his decision to throw on an England football hoodie and a Three Lions scarf.

BBC presenter Clare Balding said: “Alcaraz may be supporting Spain, but Nick Kyrgios has changed out of his smart suit and has Three Lions now on his shirt.”

This is a national outrage. Photo: BBC.

Nick Kyrgios appeared alongside Tim Henman at the BBC desk. Photo: BBC.

Kyrgios replied: “I packed it just in case Novak went down, I need to uplift the program a bit.

“I’ve got my scarf, I’ve been on the hunt for the last two days, I sent my agent to go into the city to get me some merchandise.

“Look I’m Aussie but I will be backing the Brits tonight.”

It didn’t sit well with everyone.

One fan wrote on Twitter: “An aussie supporting England, crazy”.

Kyrgios was doing so well pic.twitter.com/HDFznVGNHd

— Hamish Carton (@hamishcarton) July 14, 2024

One English fan definitely approved of the new look, writing: “Nick Kyrgios immediately changing into an England football hoodie while still at the tennis, as an Aussie, is top tier behaviour”.

Kyrgios has turned heads throughout the tournament with his bold wardrobe. He has gone away from BBC tradition and sported puffer jackets, snapback caps and Boston Celtics merchandise — something not many TV pundits could get away with.

His fashion faux pas came after fellow-Aussie Ash Barty stunned fans with her classy look during the ladies final on Saturday night.

Ash Barty was all class. Photo: BBC.

Ashleigh Barty was in the Royal Box. Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images.

While Kyrgios’ clothes may have rubbed some the wrong way, the response to his commentary has been unanimously positive.

Leading American tennis commentator Jon Wertheim wrote on Twitter: “You know who has already won this tournament? Nick Kyrgios calling this for BBC - a fear in itself - and nailing it.

“Observant. Efficient with words. Lacking the self-referring flab that can plague other Broadcasts.”

One fan posted: “One of the best things about this year’s Wimbledon has been Nick Kyrgios punditry, humility & humour”.

Another wrote: “When did Nick Kyrgios change from the surly obnoxious brat of yesteryear into the urbane, articulate gentleman he’s suddenly become? Remarkable.

Another posted: “Nick Kyrgios is the new John McEnroe. Loathed on the court. Yet adored on the mic. I really like him”.

Originally published as Nick Kyrgios wardrobe change is national betrayal