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It didn’t take place on the iconic Center Court, but the third round match at Wimbledon 2022 between No. 4 Stefanos Tsitsipas and Nick Kyrgios gave fans the tournament’s most thrilling watch yet.
Known for his fighting spirit on the court, Kyrgios certainly showed it here, but outdid himself to defeat Tsitsipas, 6-7(2), 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(7).
Nick Kyrgios of Australia talks to the referee against Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece during their men’s singles third round match against Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece on day six of the Wimbledon Championships 2022 at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 02 2022 in London, England.
(Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
The culmination of Kyrgios’ frustrations came before the deciding third set, after winning the second set, 6-4. Tsitsipas, frustrated after dropping the set, put a ball back into the stands, which would usually result in disciplinary action from the chair umpire.
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Kyrgios argued Tsitsipas should have been fired for the action. Chair umpire Damien Dumusois didn’t see it that way, leading Kyrgios to engage in a short protest.
“You can’t hit a ball in a crowd and hit somebody and not be faltering,” Kyrgios shouted at Dumusois. “I would like to talk to a supervisor. I’m not playing until I talk to a supervisor. Get more supervisors in. I’m not done. Get ’em all out.”
Nick Kyrgios of Australia argues with the referee after Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece hits a ball into the crowd during day six of the Wimbledon Championships 2022 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 02, 2022 in London, England England.
(Frey/TPN/Getty Images)
Kyrgios was not done with his theatrics, calling Dumusois a disgrace and soon after receiving a code violation for swearing.
“The amount of crap the tournament is going to get after this press conference,” Kyrgios said during the outburst.
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Kyrgios was able to regain his composure in the third set, but not before Tsitsipas started showing glimpses of his fiery side on the pitch. Tsitsipas punched the Australian three times in around five minutes, angry at Kyrgios’ attitude.
The theatrics existed in the on-court play – especially in the fourth set – which was to be decided by a tiebreaker. Kyrgios would claim both the set and the match victory, letting out a thunderous roar in celebration.
Nick Kyrgios of Australia celebrates his victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece on day six of the 2022 Wimbledon Championships at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 02, 2022 in London, England.
(Frey/TPN/Getty Images)
After the match, Kyrgios said he had the “ultimate respect” for Tsitsipas.
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“I felt like the favourite. I played a few weeks ago but I knew it would be a tough game,” Kyrgios said. “He’s a hell of a player and it was a hell of a game. I’m just super happy to have finished. He was frustrated at times – it’s a frustrating sport. You all think you can play, but it’s very frustrating.
“I have ultimate respect for him. Whatever happens in the sport, I love him and I’m close to his brother so…”
Not only has Kyrgios picked up one of the biggest singles wins of his career, but he advances to the Sweet 16 at Wimbledon for the first time since 2016. Next up for Kyrgios is a clash against unranked American Brandon Nakashima on Monday. .
