Wimbledon spectator to sue Nick Kyrgios over ‘700 drinks’ claim

Anna Palus says she has ‘no alternative’ but to bring defamation proceedings over Nick Kyrgios’ claim she ‘had 700 drinks’.

Nick Kyrgios is being sued by the spectator he accused of being drunk. Picture: Getty Images.

Nick Kyrgios is facing legal action for defamation from a woman he accused of being drunk and disruptive at this year’s Wimbledon final.

In a statement, Anna Palus said she had “no alternative” but to instruct her lawyers to bring defamation proceedings to clear her name after Kyrgios’ “reckless and entirely baseless” allegation.

“The need to obtain vindication, and to prevent repetition of the allegation, are the only reasons for taking legal action,” she added in a statement.

“Any damages recovered will be donated to charity.”

During his four-set defeat to Novak Djokovic on July 10, the controversial Australian called on the umpire to eject Ms Palus, claiming later she “looks like she’s had about 700 drinks”.

She was briefly removed from Centre Court but later returned. Kyrgios’ remarks caused her and her family “very substantial damage and distress”, she said.

She added: “I hope that Mr Kyrgios will reflect on the harm he has caused me and my family and offer a prompt resolution to this matter.

“However, if he is unwilling to do this, I am committed to obtaining vindication in the High Court.”

British media said Palus is a 32-year-old Polish medical lawyer, who insisted she was not drunk and was supporting Kyrgios, not distracting him.

The threat of legal action is the latest to hit Kyrgios, who is facing a court hearing in Canberra for allegedly assaulting a former partner.

He has carved out a reputation as the bad boy of tennis after a series of run-ins with umpires, line judges, spectators and the media.

Wimbledon was the world number 26’s first Grand Slam final. He is due to play at the US Open from next week.