(AFP) – Rafael Nadal insisted Wednesday that he has immense respect for Nick Kyrgios’s talent, and his public scolding of the mercurial Aussie after their stormy Acapulco clash doesn’t change that.
Kyrgios survived three match points to beat top-seeded Rafa in three sets to reach the quarter-finals in Acapulco, where he went on to win his first ATP title in more than a year.
Immediately after the match, 17-time Grand Slam champion Nadal said that Kyrgios – who complained of illness, served underarm and taunted a pro-Rafa crowd on the way to victory – “lacks respect for the public, the opponent and for himself.”
Rafa told reporters at the Indian Wells Masters that he thought his comments may have suffered in translation, but his assessment of Kyrgios hadn’t really changed.
“I never said nothing too negative about Nick, even if he took it more personally,” Rafa said, adding that his comments had nothing to do with the underarm serve, which didn’t make him feel disrespected at all.
“I understand this part of the game and I think it’s a good show for the game, but there’s other stuff in my opinion he can do better,” Rafa said, adding that he feared Kyrgios’s attitude sets a bad example for younger players.
“Everybody is free to do whatever they want, but at end of the day, in my opinion, he has an impact on the new generations,” Rafa said. “He’s young, he’s a famous player and in my opinion we need to show good values for the kids.”
“I heard that he took it very personally. I really didn’t see it but somebody told me he put some stuff on his social networks,” said Nadal, the second seed in an Indian Wells field headed by world number one Novak Djokovic.
Djokovic defeated Rafa in the Australian Open final in January, but our champ said he’s found plenty of positives in the early season despite failing to bag a title so far in 2019.
“More or less I should not be unhappy, all the things I went through the last four to five months to be where I am,” said Rafa, coming off an injury-plagued 2018.
“Too many issues that happened to my body the last year and a half – but I managed well to still be competitive and be in a good position in the rankings and fighting for the most important events – that’s important for my mental health too.”
Source: AFP
So much admiration and respect for you Rafa. The players just coming up in the sport are learning much from you, not only technically but also how to be humble when you win…and gracious in defeat. Your family raised you right. Nick will never be liked as long as he acts like a spoiled brat on and off the court..
Rafa,
You exude class as a tennis player, but even more as a kind humble sensitive human being!
I’ve watched you from your French Open 1st victory until your most recent championship
May God Bless you forever the. Again he has truly done all one can imagine ♥️🎾
Nick who? I prefer to watch those players who win their 1st title in their late 20’s or early 30’s because they truly love and respect the game and sport of tennis. There are also players who never win a title but they are so committed to their sport and profession, it’s both refreshing and admirable. Again, it is a privilege to play professional tennis.
Kyrgios is such a disgusting human being that I can’t care less if he has talent or not. Never won a GS so why is he so famous. I believe he is famous because of his bad behavior. If not, ask Wawfinka. He should be expelled from the circuit.
An apt description of Kyrgios: Low Class !
Tennis drama…omg get over yourselves the 2 of you and just play
I have to agree with Lu.
I would like to add what I find very one-sided is that most articles dwell on what Rafa is quoted as having said but found only one article that included Nick’s comment about Rafa’s slow play.
No, I’m not taking sides. Yes, I’m a Rafa fan.
I just want fair reporting.
GOOD LUCK AT INDIAN WELLS RAFA
RAFA ROCKS
Nick sucks
After Rafa beat Old Nick in Beijing in 2017 I was so disgusted with NK’s antics that I swore off watching him ever again. But if he meets Djokovic in the 3rd round I may make an exception.
I agree that Rafa said nothing improper or untrue about NK’s horrible behavior and since I actually watched the Spanish presser and read the translation (unlike some stupid writers) I knew he hadn’t lost his temper or indulged in a rant, just told it like it is.
I just hope they meet again, and this time Rafa doesn’t get fooled by Kyrgios’s antics and beats the hell out of him.
Thank you Rafa for expressing what many of us were feeling. His antics were meant to do exactly what they did…. Disrupt play and I believe get to your heart to give him the shadow of doubting if he could step another step. Every time he needed to, he played a winner out of the blue. Yes, he can play very well. I wish he could do it without the props of feigning illness.
Best to you….vamos!!!!
Rafa you are a gentleman all the way ,we love you ,good luck vamosssssssssss all the way 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾😘❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Rafa and Nick are like chalk and cheese. It’s clear Rafa has had enough of Nick’s antics and needed to tell Nick a few home truths. Sadly, Nick can’t take constructive criticism and refuses to listen to what Rafa has to say, or anyone else for that matter. Save your breath Rafa – just futile!
I agree 100%. Nick behaves like a naughty spoilt brat!!!! Not very “sporty” old chap.
I think it’s got blown up out of all proportion. Also, with all due respect to Nick, he does seem convinced that everyone’s got it in for him.
Rafa doesn’t anything to worry about. Nick is an inconsiderate jerk and should have been kicked off the courts long ago. What were the official’s thinking of ?
Nick brought it on himself
Nadal was right about Nick. That chap needs to grow up.
The press looks for any snippet of news to exaggerate.
no comment al all.
To bad that a great champion like Rafa has to put up with the likes of Nick K. Hope Nick will gather himself and start acting like the good player he is then would be much more enjoyable to watch play my favorite Sport.
Always with you. Vamos Rafa <3
Love you Rafa no matter what