Two of the world’s best tennis players, Roger Federer and Andy Murray, have come out expressing support for young Aussie, Nick Kyrgios, following the accusations of tanking that emerged from his loss the Richard Gasquet.
“It depends. Did he really do it or not?” Federer responded when asked his opinion on Kyrgios’ behaviour during the match.
“A game where a guy serves well, is that tanking too? It’s like a boxer when he puts his hands down, is that tanking? Then he swings freely again.
“I don’t think we should dig too deep… If you told he he did an entire set, plus more, plus this, I’d say ‘Okay, that’s a bit much probably’.
“I watched the end of the third and the end of the fourth and he was fighting then and really wanted to win.”
Murray said he could sympathise with the tough situation that Kyrgios is in, having been a young star with so much expectation placed upon him when his was a similar age.
“I don’t think people always appreciate how difficult it is to grow up under the spot-light and how difficult it is to have lots of people expecting you to be perfect.
“I like Nick, I’ve spoken to him away from the court and he’s quite different to how he is on it.”
Let us know what you think Roarers. Was Nick’s behaviour unacceptable? Or is dropping games just part of the game?
Nick
Guest
Maybe Rafter should have a chat to these guys. After all they have been more successful and on the circuit longer. He is only inflaming the situation because of his favouritism or maybe jealousy that Kyrgios may be better than him.
a
Guest
Kyrigos is a brat
The artist formerly known as Punter
Guest
Exactly, what would they know, these 2 players with nearly 20 grand slams between them compared to us Keyboard warriors.
Mitcher
Guest
What do these all time legends of the game know!! I place all my faith in judgemental, Internet forum a*#holes!!!
BennO
Guest
Agree completely but I'd add many unpleasant fans to the baying media.
JB
Guest
Losing your cool on court is not a good look and I hope he can manage to tone it down, but the reaction has been completely over the top. Many players behave much worse without attracting such opprobrium. The baying media pack seems now to be just looking for any opportunity to stick the boot in.
AussieBokkie
Guest
While I think he acted like a disrespectful brat, I think we need to remember he is very young and, as Murray said, growing up in the spotlight and being your country's best player is immensely difficult. I think he needs a good mentor or two and the public need to accept that he's got some growing up to do. He still deserves the country's support. -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
Steve
Guest
So now we have Federer, Murray, Gasquet, Newcombe, McEnroe on Kyrgios' side. And racist old fuddy duddies on the other side? hmmmmmmm
clipper
Guest
Pretty diplomatic from Federer and Murray, sometimes it's best not to say too much too soon or jump on twitter