Nick Kyrgios spirals against Novak Djokovic, shouting at his support team and calling out drunk fans

The Wimbledon fan who Nick Kyrgios claimed was ‘drunk out of her mind’ has broken her silence to defend herself after the Aussie’s attack was caught on TV.

The woman on the receiving end of the Nick Kyrgios “700 drinks” sledge has responded to the Wimbledon runner up, insisting she only consumed two drinks.

The Aussie blasted the patron during his final loss to Novak Djokovic, demanding she be kicked out of the stadium for being too loud.

“They’re distracting me when I’m serving in a Wimbledon final, she’s drunk out of her mind,” Kyrgios yelled during a change over.

“Why is she still here? She’s drunk out of her mind in the first row, speaking to me in the middle of a game. What’s acceptable? Nothing is acceptable? So kick her out!”

“I know exactly which one it is, it’s the one that looks like she’s had 700 drinks bro.”

The Sun is reporting the woman was 32-year-old Ania Palus, who in fact was removed from the venue for a 15-minute period and given a bottle of water before being allowed to return.

Palus said the number of alcoholic drinks she consumed was well short of the number Kyrgios suggested, owning up to having a Pimms and a rose.

Serbia's Novak Djokovic (L) and Australia's Nick Kyrgios talk

She also said she was just trying to support Kyrgios.

“I wanted to show we were there for him, I wanted to encourage him,” she told The Sun.

Palus later told The Telegraph: “I wanted to give him support. Maybe I took it too far … but I only had good intentions.

“It’s the temperature for me, I had no hat. I’m really sorry.”

Kyrgios was also asked about the interaction after the match and the suggestion from Palus that she was actually supporting him.

“That doesn’t make it OK to start talking to Nick Kyrgios, who’s playing a final of Wimbledon, middle of the point. Why are you trying to make that OK? What?”

Throughout the match, Kyrgios continued to rant and complain with most of his rage directed at his box where his girlfriend, dad, sister and trainers were sat.

Furious that they were not making enough noise for him in one of the most nerve wrecking games of the match, Kyrgios let him know what he thought.

“Say something,” he yelled in their direction. “You said nothing that whole point.

“Why do you stop? 40-0, 40-15 and you just relax! Why?”

Throughout the contest they were on the receiving end of complaints.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia kisses the troph

Kyrgios was unable to claw his way back into the contest, and while he pushed Djokovic to a fourth set tiebreak, the dream of a maiden singles title came to an end.

Gracious in defeat, Kyrgios said: “He’s a bit of a god, I’m not going to lie. I want to congratulate Novak.

“To all the ball kids and umpires, I know we have tough relationships, thanks for putting up with it.”

Asked if he was hungry for more grand slam finals opportunity, Kyrgios added: “Absolutely not I’m so exhausted. I need a well earned vacation. Maybe one day I’ll be here again but I don’t know about that.”

SILENCE THE CRITICS?

Kyrgios defied the doubters - including himself - just to reach the final and allow himself to dream about winning one of the most revered prizes in all sports.

But despite playing well, he was no match for the ruthless Djokovic, who claimed his 21st grand slam title and seventh on the centre court at the All England Club.

There’s no shame in losing to Djokovic, who may end up as the greatest tennis player of all time, so only the most cold-hearted will not feel any sympathy for the Australian.

He may alienate a lot of people who will be gloating over his defeat, but there’s also a whole generation in his corner, rebelling against authority and tradition and wanting to shake things up.

Nick Kyrgios had a lot of anger during the final

Whether you like his antics or not, he gives them a voice and a champion for their belief that sport needs a new world order.

Warned to be on his best behaviour, he ignored all the advice of his critics and stayed true to himself, constantly ranting and arguing and complaining throughout the match, with spectators, officials, and even his own supporter’s box.

It was ugly and unnecessary, and even embarrassing at times, but is also part of the reason why he’s the most watchable player in the game right now.

So what did the greats make of it?

John McEnroe struggled to see the sense in Kyrgios’ behaviour.

“This is a perfect example of why you want Nick to just commit,” McEnroe said on BBC coverage.

“He beat himself, he’s screaming at the box, I don’t get that bit. Maybe they should all file out and that might do something.

“He self destructed, he’s making it as if he lost the game because of them?”

Pat Cash, who has been less than kind to Kyrgios in recent days said the Aussie would look back on today with regret.

Australia's Nick Kyrgios reacts as he plays against Serbia's Novak Djokovic

“Novak was in complete control, no matter how hard Nick tried he couldn’t get involved. It left Nick to hang in there with his serve but it lost his focus when he got angry with his box.

“He’s learning every year, if he could improve 10% his mental management in matches he would be a grand slam champion.

“When he looks back at it he will say ‘yeah I lost it a bit’.”

Renae Stubbs was furious.

“Honestly, this behaviour of yelling at your box because they aren’t doing what u want, is actually beyond ridiculous,” she tweeted. “THEY CAN’T READ YOUR MIND! Yes this is his way of dealing with pressure, I get it but this is straight up constant abuse to people that love you, it’s embarrassing.”

NOVAK DJOKOVIC WINS WIMBLEDON

FOURTH SET TIEBREAK

Kyrgios 3-7 Djokovic

Kyrgios 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 6-6 Djokovic*

I’m not saying there’s something going on but ALOT of decisions are going against Nick. Wimbledon needs to give better screening tests of their lines people because this is getting out of hand.

We go to a tiebreak.

Kyrgios* 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 6-5 Djokovic

Don’t agree with Todd W who is saying NK needs to come forward more and play the net - but I’m not a former pro. NK hasn’t been strong at the net today but if we’re trying to cut match time then sure, give it a whirl.

For the first time today we’re seeing some animation and emotion from Djoker. Could it be that Nick’s consistency in this set is getting under his skin?

Crowd now booing Nick - and I’m not entirely sure why. Can’t be because he’s mouthing off, he’s been doing that all day.

And DAMN that could be a turning point, Nick, at 40-15 up is convinced he hit a winner, it’s called out yet he doesn’t challenge? WHY? Replays show the ball was good.

Well shut me up he’s hit an ace to hold.

Kyrgios 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 5-5 Djokovic*

Djokovic is moving so slowly between points, taking his time, controlling the court, the tempo, he’s mastered this match and it’s all on his terms right now. Storms to a 40-15 lead, Nick looks like he’s run out of answers.

Then he hits a backhand down the line winner while jumping in the air like it’s no big deal, so casual. Moments of genius from NK but they’re not helping him breakthrough.

Djoker holds.

Kyrgios* 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 5-4 Djokovic

118mph second serve - it’s a monster but it’s a monster Djokovic is learning to tame and he is in full control of this match. If NK doesn’t have his serve then we are fast wrapping up and rolling out the carpet for the presentation.

He holds but it’s not straightforward.

Big game service game for ND here. Feels like Novak in total control but reality is that he’s a handful of points from being all square. Beauty/pain of tennis. Can’t run out the clock

— andyroddick (@andyroddick) July 10, 2022

Kyrgios 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 4-4 Djokovic*

The on court temperature is closing in on 40 degrees and I dont think Djokovic has even broken a sweat. But he’s holding to love. So efficient.

Kyrgios* 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 4-3 Djokovic

Massive fist pumps from NK, he’s 40-15 up and think she’s hit a serve to close it out. The auto net sensor goes off and it’s a let. Needless to say he ain’t happy and the ump is copping it. For anyone keeping tally we’re only at one code violation so far.

Ace closes it.

Kyrgios 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 3-3 Djokovic*

One minute 13 seconds, that has to be one for Djoker’s fastest service games of this match. He’s getting better and better.

The BBC are so polite when they speak about Novak and the “incident in Australia” at the start of the year. it wasn’t an incident it was a bloody global debacle of epoic proportions, easily the biggest sport story of the year. No need to be so polite, it was a total farce.

Anyway, Djoker holds.

Kyrgios* 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 3-2 Djokovic

MUCH better from NK, storms to a 40-0 lead with his 25th ace of the afternoon and he’s now taken on the role of commentator. Giving great stats based insight to his match.

And now here’s the pattern he referred to earlier - “get to 40-0 and it goes wrong”. thing is, if only he knew that he played better tennis if he just stopped talking. I wonder if that ever crosses his mind?

He holds, sits down, starts mouthing off again. I legit have not heard a word come out of Djoker’s mouth today.

Doing it in front of Hollywood today as well

Stars of the big screen watch the action unfold 🌟#Wimbledon | #CentreCourt100pic.twitter.com/IJipvNakpx

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 10, 2022

Kyrgios 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 2-2 Djokovic*

Djokovic’s serve has arrived at the Wimbledon final. He’s been playing with someone elses for much of the day (or so it seems). His service games getting MUCH faster now. NK wasted this opportunity in second and third sets.

Clinical hold - again.

Kyrgios* 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 2-1 Djokovic

Djoker’s ground strokes are just out of this world at the moment. NK needs to keep these rallies short and swet if he wants to find a way back into this,

Kyrgios 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 1-1 Djokovic*

Weirdly the crowd is staying with Djoker at this stage. Clinical hold. The mind games from NK not working.

Kyrgios* 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 1-0 Djokovic

“Watch me get to 40- then lose it all” the first thing NK says as he goes to serve which gives you a pretty good idea of his head space.

Well the good news is he didn’t. Holds the opener.

Here’s what Todd Woodbridge had to say: “He’s in self destruct mode. In the early stages he didn’t say a word, nothing in that first set until the end. Now everything is off court. He’s handed Djokovic the opportunity.”

DJOKOVIC WINS THE THIRD SET

Kyrgios 6-4, 3-6, 4-6 Djokovic*

So now I wonder if Djokovic will thank the Kyrgios box for their role in him winning his 7th Wimbledon title or not? It seems it’s entirely their fault that Nick is not playing well any more (sense the sarcasm here please).

o one is surprised by this at this point are they?

If I’m NK, I’m taking a toilet break to go reset.

DJOKOVIC WINS THE THIRD SET

Kyrgios* 6-4, 3-6, 4-5 Djokovic

Nick is spiralling here. The mumbling continues, the young Royal Prince George is learning some new and colourful verbs and Djoker has a break point.

DJOKOVIC BREAKS

“40-0 and you all just relax and say nothing” Nick is going off at his box.

Kyrgios 6-4, 3-6, 4-4 Djokovic*

So a little earlier, play was momentarily interrupted by what we had believed was a protestor and it’s our friends from the Aus Open that have been escorted out of Centre Court.

Just got thrown down the stairs by Wimbledon security for holding up a sign saying #WhereIsPengShuai. One of them smashed my head into the wall

— Drew Pavlou (@DrewPavlou) July 10, 2022

Kyrgios* 6-4, 3-6, 4-3 Djokovic

Can confirm the BBC has just issued its first apology for NK related language....rogue f-bomb making it through to broadcast.

A BANGER of a serve from NK and Djokovic has launched himself to reach it, totally missed and fallen rather heavily on the gorund. Crikey.

Now he’s rubbing his wrist.

That's a bit embarassing eh....right in front of the royals.

Kyrgios holds.

Kyrgios 6-4, 3-6, 3-3 Djokovic*

Sorry, missed most of that, was rewatching the crowd issue with NK. No one has been asked to leave as yet.

Kyrgios* 6-4, 3-6, 3-2 Djokovic

Well it’s only taken two and a bit sets but the ‘tweener has arrived on Centre Court and I believe that may be it’s CC debut. Superbly executed by NK and probably not the right time (when is it) but Djoker fluffs his lines on the volley and NK wins the point.

And then it all falls a little bit apart. nick upset with people in the crowd, he’s taken to deuce and he’s starting to talk back to the umpire. Needs to keep his head he’s just copped his first code violation for the match.

But true to form, smacks an ace to hold.

nd here is what nick has said to the chair umpire.

“They’re distracting me when I’m serving in a Wimbledon final, she’s drunk out of her mind. I know exactly which one it is, its the one that looks like she’s had 700 drinks bro.”

Kyrgios 6-4, 3-6, 2-2 Djokovic*

Some really smart play from NK in this game - score might not reflect that (40-15) but he’s getting to the net, and for someone who doesn’t have the best of volleying games, he’s doing well.

Kyrgios* 6-4, 3-6, 2-1 Djokovic

It’s no Aus Open but the court temperature is currently 32 desgrees and there’s no breeze whatsoever. Conditions will be testing and probably give Djoker the edge the further into the match we go.

Nick’s hit the first double fault of his game and he’s upset. he should have challenged that.

Recovers to hold, but he hasn’t stopped talking to himself since the DF and it’s never a good sign.

Kyrgios 6-4, 3-6, 1-1 Djokovic*

Not going to lie, I missed much of that service game re--watching the F1 car on fire in Astria (Sainz is ok). Djokovic balanced and in control.

As an aside, if you’re interested in the F1, Charles Leclerc has just won the Austrian Grand Prix.

Right 100% focus back on tennis.

Kyrgios* 6-4, 3-6, 1-0 Djokovic

Djokovic has changed gear. He’s just switched to superhuman level and NK is struggling to find a responseand yet as soon as I write that, he flips the game on it’s head to hold.

Let’s just hope he’s keeping it clean, George doesn’t want to be learning any new words this arvo....

A royal 👑 lineup in The Royal Box!@Wimbledon | #Wimbledonpic.twitter.com/UASA3kYdD9

— ATP Tour (@atptour) July 10, 2022

SECOND SET TO DJOKOVIC

Kyrgios* 6-4, 3-6 Djokovic

There’s a lot to unpack here....

Nick Kyrgios HOW DARE YOU! Sublime from the Aussie, dragging Djoker into the net and a stunning execution on the killer blow. Not giving up, this is the fighting spirit we love to see. Any other day NK would have dropped his head when he was broken and yielded in this set.

Now, he’s turned it around and he’s got three break points. Incredible.

The first two go begging and nick’s furious with his box. “SAY SOMETHING” he yells at them. I don’t think they said anything because he’s lost the third point as well.

A fourth chances presents itself and it also goes begging thankjs to an insanely incredible drop shot from Djoker.

Now the crowd being told to behave.

Makes a change it’s the crowd and not the Aussie....

NK is furious at his box again, pleading with them to say something.

DJOKOVIC WINS THE SECOND SET

Kyrgios* 6-4, 3-5 Djokovic

Another solid hold....crowd getting behind Nick now. Their support totally fickle this arvo, they just want this to go the distance. Djoker serving for the second.

Kyrgios 6-4, 2-5 Djokovic*

Not discussed this yet but Djoker’s first serve is all kinds of bad today, only at 64% in and his double faults are closing in on double firgures. NK needs to take advantage of this, particularly on the new balls.

He takes it to 30 but too much power on that back hand cross, Djoker now has the edge and NK serving to stay in the second.

Kyrgios* 6-4, 2-4 Djokovic

NK seems a little more composed this game than in the previous three. Drops one point and holds with an ace. Clinical and quick, just what he needed.

Kyrgios 6-4, 1-4 Djokovic*

I’m no body language expert but NK’s demeanour has totally changed, doesn’t even look ready to receive the points. BBC has come up with a simple yet genius way to muffle NK’s rumblings, they just talk needlessly and far louder when the Aussie starts to talk. Good cover.

Now, no sooner do I write Nick out of this game, he gets himself back to deuce and the crowd bloody loves it, the oooooohs and aaaaaahhs adding to the theatrics of this match wonderfully.

Novak holds but that will be a warning to him.

Kyrgios* 6-4, 1-3 Djokovic

That 23 shot rally in the previous game seems to have rattled NK and he drops the first two points on serve to give the Serb a whiff before Djoker makes it six points in a row to set up three break points. The tables are turning and Nick’s flustered.

NOVAK BREAKS KYRGIOS (for the first time ever)

Kyrgios 6-4, 1-2 Djokovic*

Bloody hell, incredible rally at 30-30, incredible endurance from bopth and it swings Djoker’s way and the frustration is all too clear on Nick’s face. No quick points in this game whatsoever. Both digging deep, Djoker comes out on top to hold. Nick can’t afford too many games like that and he’s mouthing off to his player box. He ain’t happy.

Kyrgios* 6-4, 1-1 Djokovic

A bit more laborious from NK here pushed all the way to 40-30 but the power in his first serve is just incredible. Pulls it out when up against it and holds.

Kyrgios 6-4, 0-1 Djokovic*

Djoker doesn’t like to be made a fool of, and not for the first time this tournament he dropped the first. He’s a man on a mission and serving to love, he’s in a hurry to prove a point.

 KYRGIOS WINS FIRST SET

Kyrgios* 6-4 Djokovic

Djoker has started using the slice which is never a good idea against NK, gives the Aussie way too much control on the game. But Djoker has battled his way back into things at 30-30, a sniff of a chance for the Serb, his only of the match so far but no sooner do I write that does NK set himself up with set point.

But it goes begging and it’s the first deuce of the match, a bloody belter of a first serve to take advantage...a banger and Nick starting to get vocal and an ACE TO WIN THE FIRST SET

Kyrgios 5-4 Djokovic*

Now I’m a big fan of Nick, but “Kyrgios serving for the first set” is not something I expected to be typing 37 minutes into the opening set. Terrific masterclass of a performance from the Aussie thus far. So can he close it out?

Kyrgios* 5-3 Djokovic

Under a minute for that sewrvice game. Incredible from NK.

I’m also just seeing that Djoker has never broken NK. Now would be the ultimate time for him to start. Nick has dropped just two points on serve this set.

Kyrgios 4-3 Djokovic*

It’s a similar story on the other side of the net this game, I think that’s the first time Djoker has held to love, and man did he need that.As an aside, I will say, I know it’s England and “it’s never hot here”. But it truly is today. I’me five stories up in a Victorian terrace and it’s like a bloody sauna. Centre Court I would imagine is like a cauldron.

Kyrgios* 4-2 Djokovic

83% first serve in from NK and that was another case of blink and you miss it. Holds to love and pressure mounting on Djoker.

 KYRGIOS BREAKS DJOKOVIC

Kyrgios 3-2 Djokovic*

A half chance presents itself for NK very early on here, 15-30 to the Aussie and forcing a second serve from Djoker and a STUNNING approach sets NK up with two break points. Short ball in, Djoker off balance and killed it down the line.

Misses the first, Djoker’s defence was quality BUT HE GETS THE SECOND WITH A DOUBLE FAULT!

Kyrgios* 2-2 Djokovic

Monstrous serves from NK, brutal, precise and destructive. Smack, bang and wallop. Blink and you miss it his service game is over. Clinical

Kyrgios 1-2 Djokovic*

“The Australian looks like he’s having a lovely time” says Tim Henman. I mean it’s closing into 30 degrees, lovely isnt the word I would choose but he is playing smart.

A cleaner hold from Djoker this time but all his serves are going to the NK forehand.

Kyrgios* 1-1 Djokovic

Stunning display, great shot variation again from Nick, slice for slice and then into the drop shot. Pulled Djoker so far in and executed the winner to perfection. Very smart from Nick so far.

And oiut comes the underarm serve! Doesn’t outsmart Djoker though and gifts the Serb his first point in this game. Wimbledon crowd doesn’t know what to do with themselves.

A small stutter as Nick holds, looked like Djoker’s ball was out, was not. nick recovered to hold.

Kyrgios 0-1 Djokovic*

Interesting call from Nick to receive despite winning the toss. Great stat for you here is that Djoker has not lost on this court since 2013.

Also of note., Nick playing by the rules today and has come on court in his white shoes - per the rules to the MAMs will be thrilled.

Great shot variation from Nick in the early points, pulling Djoker all over the place and playing the patience game.

Djoker holds first service game but pushed to 30

11pm PLAYERS ON COURT, IT’S ALMOST GO TIME

Feels like a good time to let you all know that I’m not a fan of Novak and this blog is likely to be very pro Kyrgios. Also feel like I should share that as you all struggle to keep your eyelids open in Australia I feel you. Jetlag plus live coverage is not something I’m familiar with....let’s keep the coffee brewing and get through this together.

Am fairly condfident we’re here for at least 3.5 hours. It will be worth it gang, this is going to be pure entertainment. No doubt.

What are we all thiking? I’m going Nick in four sets but I think that’s my heart over my head.

Nick’s serve will be his weapon but it’s coming up against the greatest returner in the game.

My greatest concern for Nick is that he hasn’t played in five days. For many that sounds like a blessing, in tennis, so often it’s a curse.

Here’s what Pat Cash had to say: “We don’t know what to expect today it could be a car crash/train wreck, we know how one will play we dont know how the other will having had 5 days off.

“It’s an unusual tournament this year, there’s an opportunity for someone to come through. We always have known Nick had the potential. When I first saw Nick, I was in Canberra, the coach said come check him out, and he was doing all these trick shots and messing around. He developed his skills from there.”

10:45PM MCENROE BACKS NK

How’s this for a big ups....John McEnroe has changed his pre-match prediction to back Kyrgios and given us yet another MAM (middle aged man) opinion on Nick’s behaviour.

“Im trying to remember the last time I was this excited about a men’s final,” McEnroe said on the BBC.

“The gods are with Nick, that finally at 27 he realises this is a great way to make a living and it feels good to make an effort consistently. We are seeing what happens when he cares. How many times will he say I dont give a bleep about being on court.

“In some ways it feels like he knows exactly what he is doing.

“Isner, Karlovic, Raonic and Kyrgios, you’re talking about the all-time greatest servers in the history of the game. In this heat, Nick’s serve is coming in big time. I picked Novak for the win before, but I’m changing and I’m going Kyrgios in five.”

10:35PM WHO IS WHO ON CENTRE COURT

Kyrgios is walking out in front of lietral royalty and tennis royalty this evening.

Names that are in the stands include:

Rod Laver

John Newcombe

Chris Evert

Mark Woodforde

Craig Tiley

Jayne Hrdlicka

Oh and HRH The Duchess of Cambridge

10:25PM Nick has to learn to live with this success

Todd Woodbridge, while thrilled to see an Aussie in the final, he’s made a pitiful attempt to defend comments from the likes of Pat Cash and other old Aussies that have had a crack at Nick in recent days.

They’ve all been downright rude about a kid that quite frankly doesn’t care what they think.

Woodbridge “just hopes Nick brings the Aussie character today”. Whatever that means.

“At home Nick is 50-50, you like him or you dont want him to win,” Woodbriegde said, You hope he brings the Aussie character. If he wins today he has to learn to cope with the burden of being a big figure.”

End of the day, Nick doesn’t care what they think, and to be honest neither do I.

Kyrgios does things his way and nothing will change that it seems. The sooner everyone with an opinion understabnds that the sooner we can stop having the same debate about the guy.

‘F***ING IDIOT’: BAD BLOOD KYRGIOS COULD REGRET IN WIMBLEDON FINAL

The chair umpire for Sunday’s Wimbledon final between Nick Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic has been revealed – and it may not be good news for the feisty Australian if he misbehaves because they’ve got history.

Wimbledon officials have announced that Frenchman Renaud Lichtenstein will officiate in the men’s singles championship match on centre court.

He’s the same umpire Kyrgios once called “stupid” and a “f***ing idiot” after a blow up at the 2020 Australian Open.

Unaware that Kyrgios had sliced open his hand after falling on court, Lichtenstein issued a code violation against the Australian for taking too long between serves.

And Kyrgios went nuts – unloading a barrage of complaints against the official.

Wimbledon final chair umpire Renaud Lichtenstein and Nick Kyrgios have history.

“My hand is bleeding. My hand is bleeding. What do you want me to do? … There’s blood all over the towel. I told the ball kid not to touch it,” he said

“What are you, stupid? Can you not see? Well, take it back then. Why do I get a time violation? My hand’s bleeding.”

Kyrgios continued his rant, dropping the f-bomb and telling the umpire “Don’t look at me, do your job.”

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Kyrgios’ bleeding hand was at the centre of his 2020 Australia Open blow up with chair umpire Renaud Lichtenstein. Picture: AAP

Lichtenstein has been in rows with other leading players and is regarded as a no-nonsense official.

The 41-year-old is one of the most experienced chair umpires in the game.

He has been in charge of four previous grand slam finals, as well as three year-end ATP Finals, Davis Cups and Billie Jean King Cup ties around the world plus the Olympic Games in 2008 and 2012.

Like Kyrgios, this is first time at the Wimbledon final.

Kyrgios’ staggering earning potential revealed

—Todd Balym

Nick Kyrgios is set to become one of Australia’s richest athletes with victory in the Wimbledon final to send his annual earnings skyrocketing into the “tens of millions.”

While NBA star Ben Simmons and F1 star Daniel Ricciardo are believed to be the highest income earners in Australian sport pulling in more than $30m a year, Kyrgios has the potential to challenge that title if not exceed it.

Kyrgios will pocket $3.5m if he defeats Novak Djokovic in Sunday’s Wimbledon final – a feat that would almost certainly trigger bonuses in his lucrative contracts with Nike, Yonnex and Beats to name a few.

But it’s the stampede of businesses that will soon want a piece of the Kyrgios action should he win that will really boost his earning capacity.

Kyrgios could become one of Australia’s richest athletes if he seals a dream Wimbledon victory. Picture: AFP

And it’s not just that he will become Australia’s first men’s grand slam champion since Lleyton Hewitt 20 years ago, but it’s because of the generation of fans who adore his persona despite his behaviour often upsetting tennis traditionalists.

“You want someone who captures that under 25 and under 30 market they are worth gold,” publicist Max Markson said.

“When you sponsor someone like Nick Kyrgios, you know what you’re getting into.

“The youth market people are the ones you want, the young people love him and they are the ones with disposable income.

“He will be making tens of millions moving forward.”

NBA star Ben Simmons has an eye-watering salary with the Brooklyn Nets. Picture: AFP

While Ash Barty stunned the world when she retired after her Australian Open triumphed aged just 26, Markson doesn’t expect 27-year-old Kyrgios to simply walk away after achieving grand slam success.

Not while he is living his life his way, ignoring the norm of the tour grind but finding a recipe for success that works just for him.

“He won’t be giving up tennis like Ash Barty,” he said.

“He is not doing this for the money, he does it because he enjoys playing the sport.”

Regardless of the final result with Djokovic, Kyrgios will still be a man in demand moving forward.

Ashleigh Barty walked away from tennis at the top of her game – but Kyrgios is unlikely to follow suit. Picture: Getty

With 2.6m Instagram followers and a guaranteed wildcard entry to any tournament anywhere in the world due to his booming popularity and ability to put bums on seats, the Aussie star will never have to worry about money for the rest of his life.

Nor hair, because if the time comes he has an offer to follow in the footsteps of Aussie legends Shane Warne and Pat Cash.

“We just signed Pat Cash to Advanced Hair Studio,” Markson said.

“As soon as Nick Kyrgios needs hair, he can take Pat Cash and Shane Warne’s job and he will have hair for life.”

MEN’S FINAL TALE OF THE TAPE

NICK KYRGIOS v NOVAK DJOKOVIC

SUNDAY, 11PM

NICK KYRGIOS (Australia)

Rank: 40

Age: 27

Height: 193cm

Career win/loss: 184/109

Career titles: 6

Career prizemoney: $9,905,710

Best Wimbledon result: F (2022)

Best grand slam result: F Wimbledon (2022)

Path to the final

SF: d. 2-Rafael Nadal (Esp) walkover

QF: d. Cristian Garin (Cro) 6-4 6-3 7-6 (5) (2hrs 13mins)

R4: d. Brandon Nakashima (USA) 4-6 6-4 7-6 (2) 3-6 6-2 (3hrs 11mins)

R3: d. 4-Stefanos Tsitsipas (Gr) 6-7 (2) 6-4 6-3 7-6 (7) (3hrs 17 mins)

R2: d. 26-Filip Krajinovic (Ser) 6-2 6-3 6-1 (1hr 25 mins)

R1: d. Paul Jubb (GB) 3-6 6-1 7-5 6-7 (3) 7-5 (3hrs 5mins)

Total time on court: 13hr 11min

Nick Kyrgios will take on Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon final. Picture: AFP

NOVAK DJOKOVIC (Serbia)

Rank: 3

Age: 35

Height: 188cm

Career win/loss: 1006/204

Career titles: 87

Career prizemoney: $156,541,453

Best Wimbledon result: Won (2011, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021)

Best grand slam result: Won 20 times: Australian Open (2008, 2011-2013, 2015, 2016, 2019-2021), French Open (2016, 2021), Wimbledon (2011, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021), US Open (2011, 2015, 2018)

Path to the final

SF: d. 9-Cameron Norrie (GB) 2-6 6-3 6-2 6-4 (2hrs 35mins)

QF: d. 10-Jannik Sinner (Ita) 5-7 2-6 6-3 6-2 6-2 (3hrs 35mins)

R4: d. Tim van Rijthoven (Ned) 6-2 4-6 6-1 6-2 (2hrs 39mins)

R3: d. Miomir Kecmanovic (Ser) 6-0 6-3 6-4 (1hr 53mins)

R2: d. Thanasi Kokkinakis (Aus) 6-1 6-4 6-2 (2hrs)

R1: d. Soonwoo Kwon (Kor) 6-3 3-6 6-3 6-4 (2hrs 27mins)

Total time on court: 15hr 15min

HEAD TO HEAD: Kyrgios 2, Djokovic 0

2017 ATP Masters Indian Wells: Kyrgios 6-4 7-6 (3)

2017 Acapulco: Kyrgios 7-6 (9) 7-5

Originally published as Nick Kyrgios spirals against Novak Djokovic, shouting at his support team and calling out drunk fans