Controversial tennis star Nick Kyrgios reacted on social media to Sam Smith’s "fisherthem" comment they made while appearing on BBC's The One Show last month.
Following their performance at the Brits, the star singer was asked by host Ronan Keating if they’re a big fan of fishing. The 30-year-old replied: "I do love fishing, yes! Yeah, I'd love to be a fisherthem”, before host Alex Jones incorrectly asked them: "What, like a fly fisherman?"
Smith corrected her by saying: "I'd be any type of fisher-them. I think I would like to, one day, I'd just like to end my days fishing. Like sitting on a bank." They added: "I do it on the sea and I do it on lakes. I've never done it alone, someone's almost taught me."
After seeing the clip, Kyrgios provided his assessment of the comment. “This is so cringe bro I can't”, he wrote, followed by a laughing emoji.
Kyrgios has been an outspoken figure during his whole tennis career and has been in the headlines for the wrong reasons down the years, for losing his temper during matches and being slapped with fines as a result.
He caused a stir at last year’s Wimbledon Championships when he wore red trainers and a red hat, going against the tradition of an all-white attire. Asked afterwards why he had deliberately broken the rule, the Australian offered a blunt response. "Because I do what I want," said Kyrgios, who made a run to the final at the All-England Club last summer.
Asked if he felt above the rules he added: "No, I'm not above the rules. I just like wearing my Jordans. That's okay. I'll wear some Triple Whites tomorrow." The Australian enjoyed his most impressive season last year as he came within two sets of winning Wimbledon and won the Australian Open men’s doubles title alongside compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis.
Many were keen to see him compete for the singles crown at Melbourne Park in January, but his 2023 season was delayed by an injury that forced him out of the first Grand Slam of the year. Following his run to the 2022 Wimbledon final, Kyrgios believes he can still win a major singles title, and sensationally claimed he would step away from tennis if he achieved the feat.
"I think I can win the Grand Slam. I was two sets away, but it's weird, it's not for me. It's for everyone else. I could finally just rest," he said during an appearance on Logan Paul's Impaulsive podcast.
"That [2022 Wimbledon final] was my chance. If I won, I would have retired, at least for a year or two. It's more of a hobby for me. I would chill at home, I love gaming. I'm pretty impulsive on the court, I have a lot of ups and downs. It's almost impossible.
"Everything is done solo. It's boxing without contact. For me, you lose every week in tennis, so it's hard. There is only one winner every week, it's brutal."
