Nick Kyrgios’ girlfriend Costeen Hatzi took to social media to react to the Australian reaching the Wimbledon final after Rafael Nadal unfortunately had to withdraw due to injury.
On Wednesday, Nadal sensationally defeated American star Taylor Fritz in a five-set thriller, triumphing 3-6 7-5 3–6 7-5 7-6 (7-3) to book his place in the last four. However, the 22-time Grand Slam champion suffered a frustrating abdominal injury that forced him to take a medical timeout and ultimately led him to withdraw from the Championships.
It meant Kyrgios has received a walkover to the Wimbledon final after he clinched the first Grand Slam semi-final appearance of his career. The Australian defeated Cristian Garin in the quarter-finals, triumphing in straight sets 6-4 6-3 7-6 (7-5).
Hatzi took to Instagram to praise Kyrgios’ run as he prepares for the big match on Sunday. The 21-year-old posted a photo of the duo kissing courtside and wrote: “Finals of Wimbledon. This is insane.
“I love you and we all can’t wait to see you out there with all our support. When you have the right people around you, anything is possible.”
Kyrgios shared his girlfriend's post on his own Instagram page, and added: “My baby, what a ride it's been. Why not one more? I love you.”
The 27-year-old has credited Hatzi with helping him stay focused on his game, calling her his 'greatest blessing', with reports suggesting she has been instrumental in turning his life around after a tumultuous few years. Now, Kyrgios has become the first Australian to reach the men's Wimbledon final in 19 years after Nadal's withdrawal from the competition due to injury.
The Spaniard was nearing becoming the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to complete the Calendar Slam - winning each of the four majors in a calendar year - after adding a 14th French Open crown last month to his epic Australian Open final triumph over Daniil Medvedev in January. Nadal believes he cannot continue due to the abdominal tear and he has pulled out. As a result.
“I believe that I can't win two matches under these circumstances,” said the two-time Wimbledon champion. “I can't serve. Is not only that I can't serve at the right speed, it's that I can't do the normal movement to serve.
“I have to say that, (I cannot) imagine myself winning two matches and, for respect to myself in some way, I don't want to go out there, not be competitive enough to play at the level that I need to play to achieve my goal.”
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As for Kyrgios, the Australian is now gearing up for the biggest match of his career when he takes on either World No.1 Novak Djokovic or British No.1 Cameron Norrie in the Wimbledon final on Sunday night. After the tournament, Kyrgios will prepare to combat the allegations he assaulted ex-girlfriend and model Chiara Passari.
He will attend the ACT Magistrates Court on August 2 to address the allegations, which Passari brought to police in December 2021. Kyrgios’ behaviour at Wimbledon has also seen him receive multiple fines during the tournament for incidents including spitting in the direction of a spectator.
Kyrgios's barrister Jason Moffett told The Canberra Times his client was aware of the allegation, which were 'in the context of a domestic relationship’. He added: “The nature of the allegation is serious, and Mr Kyrgios takes the allegation very seriously.”
