‘Just to put you back in your place’ – Nick Kyrgios silences media critics with near flawless Wimbledon display
Nick Kyrgios was all business on Thursday in an unusual change of tack from the maverick Australian at Wimbledon.
Bar two attempted tweeners, one missed lob and one converted, the world number 40 was ruthlessly efficient in a 6-2, 6-3, 6-1 win over Queen’s finalist Filip Krajinovic, particularly on his serve.
Starting points from his end, the 27-year-old won 28 from 29 points on his serve up until 6-2, 4-1 in the match, and only lost nine points behind his serve across the contest.
“Today I was in my zone, great body language,” Kyrgios said in his post-match interview.
“I just wanted to remind everyone that I’m pretty good,” he added, completely deadpan.
We at Tennishead could not help but feel the difference in demeanour from Kyrgios on Thursday compared to his opener with British talent Jubb on Tuesday had something to do with that Wimbledon first round experience.
As such, we asked Kyrgios if his attitude ahead of Thursday had been affected by Tuesday.
He replied: “I guess just from a personal performance standpoint, my performance in my first round was just not where I wanted to be.
“I was pretty disappointed in my performance in the first round.
“Then obviously the media’s disrespect.
“[Today] was just kind of a reminder to put you all back in your place.
“[Krajinovic] made the final at Queen’s, he’s top 30 in the world, seeded.
“It’s a gentle reminder.”
The Australian faced hostility from some members of the Wimbledon Court No. 2 crowd on Tuesday, complaining about the disrespect he received in his post-match presser and, in his eyes, the press later.
He then relished the end of his presser as he reiterated how happy he was with giving the media nothing negative to write about with his performance.
“Today there’s just absolutely nothing, which is hilarious.
“Because I’ve played so many matches where I’ve given my all and just come up short, and there’s only one thing you guys write about.
“Today, enjoy it.
“Watch it back.
“I hope you just love my tennis today, just all watch the highlights, and write about that.”
Kyrgios faces a very tough third round draw in facing fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas, a battle fans can expect to see on one of either Court No. 1 or Centre come Saturday.
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