Controversial tennis star Nick Kyrgios has revealed he received a video message from British rapper Stormzy ahead of his clash with Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon final.
Kyrgios captivated fans around the world during his run to the Wimbledon final, enthralling supporters with spectacularly entertaining wins over Stefanos Tsitsipas and Cristian Garin. However, the 27-year-old fell to Djokovic in an engrossing final as the Serb claimed his 21st Grand Slam title with a 4-6 6-3 6-4 7-6 (7-3) victory.
The Australian is renowned for his on-court antics and outbursts as well as his press conferences as much as he is known for his sensational shot-making ability. At Wimbledon, Kyrgios enjoyed his best-ever performance at a Grand Slam as he reached his first ever major final.
Kyrgios was defeated by Djokovic in four sets but the final was not without the usual drama the World No.45 provides. The 27-year-old produced his underarm serve while also accusing a ‘drunk’ heckling fan for having ‘700 drinks’, leading to their removal.
The divisive maverick enjoyed a wild tournament, labelling a line judge a ‘snitch’ while Tsitsipas called Kyrgios an ‘evil bully’ after their epic contest. However, Kyrgios has a supporter in popular world-famous musician Stormzy, who sent a message to the Australian ahead of the Wimbledon final.
In a video message, Stormzy said: “Nick, we’re rooting for you my boy. Come on, I’m here for you bro, yeah.”
Kyrgios responded by posting: “Stormzy brother I did my best.”
Among other incidents, Kyrgios also spat in the direction of a boisterous fan during the Championships, repeatedly broke Wimbledon’s traditional and strict dress code, and was involved in a heated back-and-forth with a journalist. However, his run to the Wimbledon final is set to be made into a Netflix documentary which will reportedly make Kyrgios millions.
“Myself, my team, we are so exhausted,” Kyrgios said after falling to Djokovic in the Wimbledon final. “We played so much tennis. I need a well-earned vacation after this one!
“I’m just really happy with this result, it’s the best of my career, and hopefully one day I’ll be here again.”
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Kyrgios recently revealed his battle with mental health, citing struggles with suicidal thoughts, self-harm and alcoholism. He is also set to fight 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.
Kyrgios' 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.”
