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It didn’t happen on the iconic Center Court, but the Wimbledon 2022 third-round match between No. 4 Stefanos Tsitsipas and Nick Kyrgios gave fans the most exciting viewing of the tournament yet.
Known for his combativeness on court, Kyrgios certainly showed that here, but got over himself to beat Tsitsipas 6-7(2), 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(7).
Nick Kyrios of Australia talks to the umpire against Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece during their men’s singles third round match against Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece on day six of The Championships Wimbledon 2022 at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 02, 2022 .in London, England. (Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
The climax of Kyrgios’ frustration came before the crucial third set as he won the second set 6-4. Tsitsipas, frustrated after dropping the set, returned a ball to the stands, usually leading to disciplinary action from the chair umpire.
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Kyrgios argued that Tsitsipas should have been overdue for this action. Referee Damien Dumusois didn’t see it that way, prompting Kyrgios to engage in a brief protest.
“You can’t hit a ball into the crowd and hit someone without being called out,” Kyrgios yelled at Dumusois. “I would like to speak to a supervisor. I won’t play until I talk to a supervisor. Bring out more supervisors. I’m not done. Bring them all out.’
Nick Kyrios of Australia argues with the referee after Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece hits a ball into the crowd during day six of the 2022 Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 02, 2022 in London, England. (Frey/TPN/Getty Images)
Kyrgios wasn’t done with his theatrics, calling Dumusois a disgrace and shortly after receiving a foul code violation.
“The amount of crap the tournament is going to get after this press conference,” Kyrgios said during the blast.
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Kyrgios was able to regain his composure during the third set, but not before Tsitsipas began to show flashes of his fiery side on the court. Tsitsipas punched the Australian three times in about five minutes, angered by Kyrgios’ attitude.
Theatrics existed in the court play – especially in the fourth set – which had to be decided in a tiebreak. Kyrgios won both the set and the match, letting out a thunderous roar in celebration.
Nick Kyrios of Australia celebrates his victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece during day six of The Championships Wimbledon 2022 at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 02, 2022 in London, England. (Frey/TPN/Getty Images)
After the match, Kyrgios said he had “great respect” for Tsitsipas.
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“I felt like the favorite coming in. I played a few weeks ago, but I knew it would be a tough game,” Kyrgios said. “He’s a hell of a player and it was a hell of a game. I’m just super happy that I made it. Sometimes he got frustrated – it’s a frustrating sport. You all think you can play, but it’s very frustrating.
“I have a lot of respect for him. Whatever happens in the sport, I love him and I’m close with his brother, so…”
Not only did Kyrgios claim one of the biggest singles wins of his career, he also advanced to the Sweet 16 at Wimbledon for the first time since 2016. Kyrgios next plays against unseeded American Brandon Nakashima on Monday.
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