Tennis
Why is Kyrgios breaking Wimbledon rules? I do what I want. I like to wear my Jordans, the stormtrooper said
Tennis is often referred to as a gentleman’s sport, and in the vast majority of cases it is. But then there is a certain Nick Kyrgios who can really stir up the stagnant waters of any tournament. And at Wimbledon, he’s showing his mettle once again.
Tennis is often referred to as a gentleman’s sport, and in the vast majority of cases it is. But then there is a certain Nick Kyrgios who can really stir up the stagnant waters of any tournament. And at Wimbledon, he’s showing his mettle once again.
It’s become something of a hackneyed phrase. Kyrgios has the kind of talent that, if he had his head on right, would make him the best in the world. Some of his shots are mind-blowing, and he plays them like they are nothing. But it is his head that is his big obstacle.
At the ongoing Wimbledon, however, the Australian stormer has put his on-court outbursts on the back burner and is more focused on his game, which is immediately apparent. Playing perhaps the best tennis of his career, he has already made it to the quarter-finals and is ranked among the tournament favourites.
However, he is even more so in press conferences, where he loves to draw attention to himself. After the second round, for example, he had no problem setting up his dinner in the middle of a question and started eating while answering. He is also controversial with his statements.
And before the quarter-finals, he again drew all the attention to himself. You know about the rule at Wimbledon that all players must play in all white. But players must be separated from the first step on the court to the last. Kyrgios seems to have forgotten this rule
Before his match with Brandon Nakashima, he walked onto the court wearing a red cap and red shoes.
He wore the same attire at the press conference afterwards, where he logically faced questions from reporters about breaking the sacred “dress code.” Here is a transcript of the entire conversation.
Journalist: “We all know that the Wimbledon dress code rules are very strict. So why did you walk onto Centre Court wearing red sneakers and a red cap?
Kyrgios: “Because I do what I want.”
Journalist: “So you’re more than the rules?“
Kyrgios: “No. I’m not more than the rules.”
Journalist: “So what’s it like? The rules don’t apply to you?”
Kyrgios: “I just like to wear my Jordans.”
Journalist: “But there are rules specifically against that. It’s not a big surprise, but the judges will talk to you about it later.”
Kyrgios: “That’s cool. I’ll wear some triple whites tomorrow.”
Journalist:. So everybody follows the rules, but Nick Kyrgios doesn’t have to?”
Kyrgios:: But no one, even after Wimbledon, no one really walks on the court with Jordans on their feet.”
Journalist: But sorry, Nick, you’ve complained several times about the controversy surrounding you…”
Kyrgios: “I wasn’t complaining. I love it.”
Journalist: “But you laughed about it. So it’s all part of it?”
Kyrgios:: “Yes, it’s more attention for me. What does it say? Any advertising is good advertising, isn’t it?”
Source: Wimbledon, BBC