Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios on Saturday alleged that he was racially abused by fans during his semi-final clash against Andy Murray at the Stuttgart Open semi-finals.
Murray, who beat world number five Stefanos Tsitsipas to reach the semis, cruised to a 7-6 (7/5), 6-2 victory in 93 minutes, but the match was marred by unpleasantness.
Kyrgios was penalised a point and then a game for his conduct early in the second set after an angry exchange with the crowd that saw the 27-year-old smash his racquet.
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Shortly after the match, however, Kyrgios alleged that the exchange had been sparked by racist comments from the crowd.
“When is this going to stop? Dealing with racist slurs from the crowd?,” the 27-year-old, who is of Greek origin, wrote on Instagram.
“I understand that my behaviour isn’t the best all the time, but ‘you little black sheep’ ‘shut up and play’ – little comments like this are not acceptable. When I retaliate to the crowd I get penalised. This is messed up,” Kyrgios said.
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Hours later, the 27-year-old put up a lengthy Instagram post, harshly criticising recurrent episodes of racist behaviour from fans.
“I’m an entertainer. I’ve played this sport since I was 7 years old. I’ve worn my heart on my sleeve ever since I stepped on a tennis court. Yes, I’m human, I don’t deal with my emotions well all the time,” wrote Kyrgios.
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“But one thing I won’t ever tolerate is spectators heckling and blasting abuse to athletes. It’s been happening personally to me for a while, from racist comments to complete disrespect,” continued the 27-year-old, adding, “For years it’s been something I’ve brushed off but especially in Indian wells and today all the way in Stuttgart, it’s made me realise that people seem to think it’s normal. I’m seeing it happen in other sports, and to many other athletes.”
“We are playing FOR YOU, whether you are backing the opponent or not. You may not think it’s a big deal, but it could affect someone’s life more than you think. Wake up to yourselves. Not just in tennis, but in every other sport. My young athletes, coloured or not, I hope that this message is heard so you don’t ever have to feel alienated, or embarrassed to be you and to perform on the world stage,” Kyrgios concluded.
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Murray, however, said that he did not know about the details of what transpired, telling the press after the match, “It was a very frustrating set for him to lose and he broke a racquet. He also had a back and forth with the umpire and something seemed to happen in the crowd. But I didn’t really hear anything after the first set.”
Murray faces Italy’s Matteo Berrettini in the Stuttgart Open final on Sunday.
