Nick Kyrgios had some thoughts after the dramatic conclusion of the Cincinnati Finals between Jack Draper and Félix Auger-Aliassime. The controversy? Draper won the match point despite his ball bouncing on his side of the net first. Draper later claimed he didn’t notice because he was focused on Félix.
THE MOST CONTROVERSIAL MATCH POINT EVER!!!
WHAT JUST HAPPENED…? #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/cxU4H2A4Af
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 17, 2024
The point in question was the match point for Draper which automatically put Félix out of the Cincinnati Open. He even argued with the Chair Umpire, Greg Allensworth, that it landed on his side first. He approached the net and spoke to Draper and Allensworth saying,
“That’s horrendous what you just did. Did not see the ball bounce on the floor?”.
Despite being frustrated with this decision he kept his cool and spoke to the supervisor. Draper even said that he was willing to look at the replay and claims to not know what exactly happened as he was “looking at Félix”, and would replay the point if told. However, Allensworth was firm on his decision of Draper winning the point, the situation could not be turned over and Aliassime lost the match.
But, Kyrgios wasn’t having it. He took to X (formerly Twitter) and called Draper out, saying,
Mate. Horrible call, but every player knows you know exactly where you hit it hahaha ridiculous stuff
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) August 17, 2024
Kyrgios isn’t one to stay quiet, and the fans reacted soon after. They had mixed feelings, with some agreeing with Kyrgios’ take, calling the situation unfair, while others were talking about him being a hypocrite.
So did Draper know or not? pic.twitter.com/yWdAERcdvF
— Tennis world (@claygrasshard) August 17, 2024
Well, Kyrgios himself has been no stranger to controversy. Fans were quick to bring up his past on-court antics, including moments where his sportsmanship was questioned. From smashing rackets to racking up fines for unsportsmanlike conduct, Kyrgios has walked a fine line over the years.
Although Kyrgios has been around long enough to know what can pass as fair play and something that is straight-up unfair, so he might be on the right side of things for once.
In the end, he wasn’t concerned about the past—he was all about calling out Draper for what he saw as unsportsmanlike play in the heat of the moment. As always, Nick’s comments kept the tennis world buzzing.
