Why is Nick Kyrgios called the bad boy of tennis? Wimbledon’s ‘Wild Thing’ has racked up US$800,000 in fines for bad behaviour ... and was accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend in Australia
- Kyrgios is the most fined player in history, and his recent row with Tsitsipas has people talking about his hot temper – and his brilliant tennis – once more
- From yelling at umpires to badmouthing opponents, smashing rackets and even demanding beer on court, the Australian player has fallen foul time and time again
The undisputed “bad boy of tennis”, Nick Kyrgios, 27, is making headlines again for his great racket skills – and not-so-great behaviour on court.
Kyrgios has been fined a total of US$14,000 over his ongoing Wimbledon run so far, for audible obscenity and for spitting in the direction of an audience member who he said was disrespecting him. He also just broke the event’s traditional all-white dress code by wearing red shoes and a red cap. Now this latest string of controversies has tennis fans talking about all the unfavourable things he’s done in the past.
Ever wondered why Kyrgios is called the bad boy of tennis? Here’s why …
He’s banked more than US$9 million in prize money
Kyrgios turned pro in 2013 and is currently ranked No 40 in the world. He’s won six career titles in men’s singles games and two titles in doubles, including the Australian Open 2022 with partner Thanasi Kokkinakis. He has been awarded a total of US$9,905,710 in prize money.
He’s also earned praise from big names including the OG bad boy of tennis, John McEnroe, who told Eurosport Cube that Kyrgios is the “most talented player I’ve seen in the last 10 years”.
He has an epic record of penalties, fines and blowing off steam for the silliest things
You name it, he’s done it: abuse against officials – the umpire, the line judge and even the ball kids – calling them names, swearing or hurling objects at them, intentional or not. And against other players – including aiming the ball at Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon in 2019, engaging in verbal spats with his opponents, and insulting them in interviews.