Nick Kyrgios charged with assault, to face ACT court
Tennis star refuses to answer questions on former girlfriend’s allegations of assault as he prepares for tonight’s Wimbledon quarterfinal.
Nick Kyrgios has been summonsed to face a Canberra court over an alleged assault of his former girlfriend, in a development that may hamper his Wimbledon quarter-final preparations.
Kyrgios, who has divided opinion with his on-court theatrics and behaviour towards umpires, lines officials and spectators, is due to play Chilean star Cristian Garin in the quarter-finals of Wimbledon early on Thursday (AEST) – the first time he has reached the top eight level in the championships in eight years.
On the eve of the crucial match, Kyrgios has received a summons to appear in the ACT Magistrates Court on August 2 in relation to a charge of common assault following an incident in December 2021.
“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,” a police spokesperson said on Tuesday night.
The matter relates to his former partner Chiara Passari and the charge carries a maximum jail sentence of two years.
Barrister Jason Moffett, from Key Chambers, told the Canberra Times that the allegation was in the context of a domestic relationship.
“The nature of the allegation is serious, and Mr Kyrgios takes the allegation very seriously,” Mr Moffett said.
“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.”
Quizzed by journalists after finishing training at Wimbledon overnight (AEST), Kyrgios refused to answer questions on whether he took the allegations of assault seriously.
Nor did he answer a question about when he became aware of the summons to attend a Canberra court on August 2 to face a charge of common assault.
Instead, the 27-year-old turned to his brother and said: “I feel like I’m in The Last Dance” – a reference to the documentary about basketball legend Michael Jordan.
BREAKING NEWS: Tennis player Nick Kyrgios has been charged with common assault in Australia. pic.twitter.com/OVlZpCpNya
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 5, 2022
Kyrgios is being filmed throughout Wimbledon for a behind-the-scenes Netflix series on professional tennis. On Wednesday, there was a crew up close and following his every move, including at the practice courts.
Kyrgios will continue to play in the Championships, the All England Club confirmed.
“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,” a tournament spokesperson said.
“We are in touch with Nick’s team and he remains scheduled to play his quarter-final match tomorrow.”
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