Stefanos Tsitsipas has mentioned feedback he made about Nick Kyrgios finally yr’s Wimbledon have been “misinterpreted”, after his remarks had been featured on Netflix documentary “Break Level” and perceived as racist on social media.
Tsitsipas, 24, was knocked out by Kyrgios in a bad-tempered third-round conflict on the grasscourt Grand Slam and described the Australian’s method to tennis as “uneducated”, saying he introduced “that NBA basketball angle” to the game.
The Greek world quantity 5 mentioned there had been an “unlucky misunderstanding that has a distorted image of my intentions” in a prolonged assertion posted to his Fb web page on Saturday.
“It has come to my consideration that some people have misinterpreted my feedback concerning Nick Kyrgios … insinuating racism the place none exists,” Tsitsipas wrote.
“I wish to emphasize that I harbour no prejudice in direction of anybody based mostly on their background, ethnicity, or pursuits. I deeply remorse if my phrases had been misinterpreted or brought on offence, as that was by no means my intention.”
Tsitsipas added his remarks weren’t meant to undermine Kyrgios’ capability or intelligence.
“I merely supposed to specific my perspective on sure features of his taking part in type, drawing comparisons to the eagerness and depth typically related to basketball,” he mentioned.
“It was an try to focus on the dynamic and charming nature of his method to the sport, not a criticism of his character or capabilities.
“Shifting ahead, I decide to being extra aware of my phrases and the impression they might have.”
The 28-year-old Kyrgios, who reached the Wimbledon ultimate final yr, noticed off Tsitsipas in 4 units in a match that always threatened to spiral uncontrolled.
Kyrgios was warned for swearing and had a operating dialogue with the umpire, whereas Tsitsipas misplaced his composure and tried to hit his opponent with a smash after coming near being defaulted for hitting a ball in frustration into the group.
The feud continued off-court, with Tsitsipas labelling Kyrgios a “bully” with “an evil facet” in a post-match media convention. Kyrgios laughed off Tsitsipas’s remarks and mentioned the Greek had “severe points”.
This yr’s Wimbledon runs from July 3-16.