Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios has issued a statement saying that he misspoke when he criticised the governing body of men’s tennis following his first round win at the US Open.
The two-time grand slam quarter-finalist raised eyebrows when he called the ATP ‘corrupt’ during his press conference. The comments came amid questions he received over his $113,000 fine at the Western and Southern Open for a series of code violations. Kyrgios engaged in a heated confrontation with the match umpire and at one point called him a “F***ing tool.”
“Not at all. The ATP is pretty corrupt anyway, so I’m not fussed about it at all,” Kyrgios said on Tuesday.
“I got fined 113K for what?
Kyrgios’ comments has landed himself in a lot of trouble with the ATP confirming that they have launched an investigation. In a statement obtained by The Metro, his latest antics will now be asses in accordance to the ‘Play Major Offence’ provision of the ATP rule book. In a worse case scenario, Kyrgios could be suspended from the sport. Something that could be possible considering the close proximity to his other offence in Cincinnati.
‘The comments made by Nick Kyrgios after his first round match in New York will be assessed under the Player Major Offense provision under ATP Rules. A determination will be made by Gayle David Bradshaw, Executive Vice President, Rules & Competition, following an investigation as required by ATP rules.’ – ATP statement
However, the 24-year-old has now clarified his remarks and said his use of the world ‘corrupt’ wasn’t correct. In a statement uploaded to his social media accounts, Kyrgios said his criticism concerns what he views as double standards in the sport. Something he has mentioned on multiple occasions before. For example, when he received a time violation in Cincinnati, he suggested that it wouldn’t have occurred to rival Rafael Nadal.
“I would like to go on record to clarify my comment around the ATP being corrupt, it was not the correct choice of words and my point and intention was to address what I see as double standards rather than corruption.” The statement reads.
“I know my behaviour at times has been controversial and that has landed me in trouble, which at times is granted and valid, but my issue is around others whether gaining the same, less or more media attention doing the same or similar behaviour and not being sanctioned. That’s my issue and it continues to be.”
The comments from the former top 20 player are similar to those of Stefanos Tsitsipas. The Greek told reporters on Tuesday that he believes some match officials have preferences over other players. Tsitsipas said he felt that umpire, Damien Dumusois, had something against him during his first round defeat to Andrey Rublev.
“To be clear, I know I’m not perfect and do not pretend to be and I acknowledge I’ve deserved fines and sanctioning at times but I expect consistency and fairness with this across the board, to date that’s not happened.” Kyrgios concluded.
The ATP has been yet to comment on Kyrgios’ latest statement.
