WIMBLEDON, England — Nick Kyrgios did just about everything against Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon, except win.
The Australian hit some underhand serves, including one that landed in for an ace. He tried a few ‘tweeners. And he even ran in early on a serve from Nadal, and argued loudly with the chair umpire.
The antics were entertaining, but not enough to eliminate the two-time champion from Spain, who won 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (3) on Centre Court to reach the third round.
During the first set, Nadal’s go-slow tactics made Kyrgios see red. Preparing to serve after his initial rant, Kyrgios was made to wait by the world No. 2, who is notorious for taking up every one of his allotted 25 seconds between points, sometimes even more — compared to the Aussie, who prefers a quick game.
“I’m ready to serve, how long are we going to wait? I’m ready to serve the ball,” Kyrgios told the umpire as he waited at the baseline.
Kyrgios was still fuming at the next change of ends when he went down 4-1, and his fury extended into the seventh game.
“When he’s serving, he’s controlling the tempo,” Kyrgios said. “Why do I have to wait for my serve? Why am I waiting? Why?
“It’s too long between serves, it’s bulls—. It’s ridiculous,” he said.
Kyrgios’ rage only increased when Nadal took a toilet break at the end of the first set. “What is this stuff, bro? Play the game, play the game. It’s stupid,” Kyrgios said. “You guys (umpires) are the worst of the lot, you’re so biased. Just kiss up to his bum, it’s a joke.
“He takes 40 seconds between every serve, is that within reason? No. So don’t tell me to play within reason. He doesn’t play within reason.
“It’s not fair. This is part of the sport, is it? What’s happening now is part of the sport?
“I’m serving next and he happens to take a toilet break now. Why?
“What’s going on, bro? What’s going on? It’s bulls—.”
Nadal and Kyrgios don’t have the best relationship on the court or off. In 2014, a 19-year-old Kyrgios beat Nadal at Wimbledon to become the youngest man to eliminate the No. 1 player at a major tournament since 2005. Add to that a public spat involving Nadal, his uncle and Kyrgios in recent months.
After his second-round victory, Kyrgios said he wouldn’t expect to “have a beer together” with Nadal. The Spaniard responded in a separate interview by saying he was “too old for all this stuff.”
