Nick Kyrgios had already been described as an “influencer” who “lived for the likes” when the tennis “bad boy” collapsed in the first round of the Australian Open.
On the eve of the tournament, Andy Roddick, former world number 1, was scathing in his criticism of Kyrgios, who claimed his defeat in two sets against Jacob Fearnleythe British number 3, was perhaps his last singles appearance at Melbourne Park.
Against Fearnley, Kyrgios was every bit as divisive as his reputation suggests. His performance was one of grimaces, expletive-filled diatribes, and glimpses of genius as he departed from his original specialty.
Kyrgios has been plagued by injuries since his last major appearance; the US Open in 2022. As these injury concerns have grown, the 29-year-old has only become more outspoken off the court.
From criticizing the retirements of Sir Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal to claims it was “impossible” that the pyramids were built by humansKyrgios is no stranger to outspokenness.
His latest argument, this time involving Roddick, cast a cloud over the first major tournament of the season. Krygios was Jannik Sinner’s most vocal criticafter the world number 1 failed two drug tests and avoided a ban. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) ruled that the contamination was “not due to any fault or negligence” on Sinner’s part, but Kyrgios has repeatedly claimed on social media that the incident doping proved that tennis was “done”.
The World Anti-Doping Agency has appealed the verdict and is seeking an extended suspension from the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Sinner’s explanation is that the failed tests were caused by a healing spray used to treat a cut suffered by his physiotherapist, who had unwittingly exposed him to the substance through regular full-body massages.
In recent months, Kyrgios has attacked anyone who spoke out in support of Sinner and criticized the private nature of the hearings. The latest target was Cruz Hewitt, the 16-year-old son of 2002 Wimbledon champion Lleyton Hewitt, after the teenager posted a photo with Sinner after the pair spent time together on the Melbourne Park court before the match. Australian Open.
The post sparked a storm on social media, with Kyrgios commenting: “I love you Cruz but this is wild. »
That comment proved too much for Roddick, who played Hewitt Snr 14 times on the ATP Tour during his career. Speaking on her Served podcastRoddick said of Kyrgios: “At this point he is a tennis influencer. He lives for the likes, he lives in the comments section.
“What I have a problem with is the hypocrisy with which he chooses when to pass judgment on others while also wanting you to digest the context of his comments – the latest being towards Cruz Hewitt.”
Roddick added: “Cruz Hewitt is 16, son of Lleyton and the toughest competitor I’ve ever faced in my life, getting to hit with a guy who is No. 1 in the world at the Australian Open. It’s a big deal.
“Imagine yourself as an almost 30-year-old man, responding to comments from a 16-year-old who is the best player in the world. If you think he is guilty or not guilty, this is always a time when you can do so.
“It’s a big moment and just posting a picture and then asking this guy to comment and talk about himself. ‘I thought we were brothers.’
“The defense was convinced it was a joke. The lack of awareness you have in bringing trolls and all the worst tennis fandoms into a 16 year old’s comments is ridiculous. It’s ridiculous.
Going further, Roddick suggested that Kyrgios should not comment on morality given that the 29-year-old had pleaded guilty to a domestic violence charge in 2023. Kyrgios avoided a criminal conviction after a magistrate ruled that the offense was “low level”. »
“When you experience moments in your life that are not the best. When you pleaded guilty to physically assaulting your girlfriendbut you want people to understand the context,” Roddick said.
“You wanted people to understand your moment in time and in your life that didn’t make this acceptable, but at least maybe they would say ‘that’s not who I am, that’s not what I do – I am not an abuser even though I plead guilty to abuse.
“It’s just hypocritical. This is purely hypocritical.
Kyrgios responded similarly, calling Roddick a “sheep.”
Injuries have severely affected Kyrgios’ career in recent years, since he reached a career-high ranking of 13 in the world in 2016, and he began to cultivate his following on social media, with over four million on Instagram uniquely. He even launched an OnlyFans account in 2023.
Like Roddick, he also moved into more mainstream media and was a member of the Wimbledon commentary team in 2024, although the American questioned the longevity of this route given Kyrgios’ outspoken comments. It remains to be seen what impact the Australian’s outspokenness will have on his future career off the tennis court.
