Rafael Nadal is all set to face Australian tennis player, Nick Kyrgios in the semi-finals of Wimbledon Open 2022. It is his 8th semi-final at the English Grand Slam. Nadal defeated Taylor Fritz 3-6 7-5 3-6 7-5 7-6 (10-4) in the quarter-finals.
Previously in 2019, Nick Kyrgios faced Rafael Nadal at the Centre Court at Wimbledon. The Spaniard triumphed over Nick 6-3 3-6 7-6 (7-5) 7-6 (7-3) to win the match. However a controversy surrounded the game.
The Aussie player admitted to wanting to cause bodily harm to Rafael Nadal. At the press conference after the match, Nick said he wanted to intentionally hit the Spaniard straight on the chest during the game. He was very unapologetic about the incident.
After the game Nadal called out Nick for his actions. He said, “I don’t say Nick does this stuff to bother the opponent, but it is true that sometimes he’s dangerous. When he hits the ball like this, it is dangerous. It is not dangerous for me, is dangerous for a line referee, and dangerous for a crowd. When you hit the ball like this, you don’t know where the ball goes.”
Rafa blocked the ball at the correct time to stop himself from getting hurt and continued with the match.
Nick Kyrgios has nothing but respect for Rafael Nadal ahead of semi-final clash at Wimbledon 2022
Rafael Nadal and Nick Kyrgios will meet again at the semi-finals of the 2022 Wimbledon Open. They have come a long way from 2019; the Aussie has matured however the on-court antics are still there.
During the 2019 Wimbledon Open match between Rafael Nadal and Nick Kyrgios, the Aussie hit a dangerous forehand shot which almost hit Rafa. The Spaniard was experienced enough to block the ball and save himself. However he appeared to be annoyed and angry.
At the press conference after the match, Nick said that he will not apologise to Rafa and that he doesn’t care. He said, “Why would I apologise? I didn’t hit him. Hit his racket, no? Why would I apologise? I won the point.”
He added, “I don’t care. Why would I apologise? I mean, the dude has got how many slams, how much money in the bank account? I think he can take a ball to the chest. I’m not going to apologise to him at all.”
The Aussie admitted to intentionally hitting him and was unapologetic. He said, “I was going for him. I wanted to hit him square in the chest. Like, he’s got decent hands.”
Rafael Nadal being the gentleman of the game tried to move in from the incident. He said, “I know he’s a big talented player, but I am a professional player, too. I know when you hit this kind of ball, the ball can go anywhere. This time the ball went in, almost hit me, no problem. I am professional, so I know how to avoid this.”
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Nick Kyrgios did not apologise for his actions against Rafa and fans around the world condemned him for his actions.
