However, the head-to-head began with polite exchanges at Stefanos Tsitsipas’ press conference following his second round win over Jordan Thompson. When Nick Kyrgios was asked about his opponent, the Greek answered that he respected him very much, despite past "controversies". There was nothing that could have foreshadowed Saturday's meeting in high tension at Wimbledon.
Kyrgios was quick to unpin in a tight first set. The Australian voiced his dissatisfaction at 5-5 to one of the linesmen and instructed the chair umpire "find another lineman." The world N.40 was able to press the refereeing body.
Tsitsipas was unable to resist the temptation to throw a ball at the public, and was subsequently disqualified. Kyrgios insisted to the referee that it was a disqualification. Is it stupid? You are a disgrace! Get the supervisor! The scene was quite long and the Australian did not escape the warning for his crude language. However, the Greek took him to court for unsportsmanlike conduct.
If he couldn't contain his nerves, the world No.5 boiled. He felt a new meeting against Kyrgios slipping away (three of their four previous meetings ended in defeat for Kyrgios). Kyrgios, on his part, did not deny himself any means to defeat his opponent: serve in the tweener and use the spoon from the net before bowing to the public. Tsitsipas, however, was on the opposite side of the trickle...before freaking out. He appeared to deliberately shoot the Aussie on three occasions, drawing boos at Wimbledon.
A few minutes later, Kyrgios began to fall and writhe in pain. Tsitsipas did not speak a word or gesture and waited for Kyrgios to stand up so they could continue the match.
After a long and exhausting tie-break, Kyrgios won the historic encounter. The two men exchanged a chilly handshake at the net without even looking. This sequence was not captured by television cameras.
All eyes were on the press conferences by the players in this tense context. Tsitsipas was not shy: "It's the circus. Everywhere you looked, there was something happening on the other end of the net. He was constantly complaining and talking. (...) This is his method of distracting you and manipulating your opponent. This is a rare player. It is constant bullying. He bullies others, and he was likely a bully at school. Roland-Garros 2021 finalist posted an intriguing message to his Instagram account: "Give man a mask, he will be himself", a phrase in English tattooed on Kyrgios’ leg.
Nick Kyrgios (@k1ngkyrg1os), shared this post
The Australian also took out the sulphur before the reporters with his usual cynicism. "Maybe he should figure out how beat me once or twice, before taking care any other," he said. To add, "I am well-known in the locker room. I have many friends." I'm one of the most valued players. He is not appreciated." He is not appreciated."
