Australian star Nick Kyrgios is a well-known figure within the tennis fraternity. He is as entertaining on the court as he is off it. This trait made Kyrgios the perfect candidate to become the commentator for the Nitto ATP Finals. However, his commentary career started with an X-rated faux pas, which was captured on air.
Kyrgios has been on the sidelines for most of the year due to his injuries. He played just one match at the Stuttgart Open, where Wu Yibing defeated him. While the Australian may have been away from the game, he still stirs controversy with his social media posts.
Kyrgios joined Jim Courier and Brett Haber as commentators for Tennis Channel to call the match between Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev. As someone who has played against both of them, Kyrgios was in a position to offer unique insights. The star ended up making a hilarious little gaffe.
First viral moment for @NickKyrgios 💀 pic.twitter.com/jvkgSl19Ow
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) November 16, 2023
Kyrgios was talking about how Zverev could defeat Medvedev when the slip-up occurred. “Again, you look at people who’ve had s*x-success against Medvedev… Alcaraz, every time he plays against Medvedev he’s moving forward, taking all those volleys, taking time away,” said Kyrgios (via Yahoo Sports Australia).
Nick’s colleague, Brett, immediately brought attention to Kyrgios’ little blunder. It was funny to see the realization dawn on Kyrgios. Since the Tennis channel shared this clip on social media, fans reactions have been varied. Here are a few.
Not listening to any of @NickKyrgios Mute button very handy. But I guess those viral moments are why you hired him. 🤮
— Anthony Statz (@tonester27) November 16, 2023
That is funny. He was really good. If he don’t play again I am sure he will be a great addition in the booth.
— Warren (@Warren64145302) November 16, 2023
Nick Kyrgios, luckily, did not have any more slip-ups for the night. His commentary debut went rather well, considering all things. However, not everyone was impressed, but he found an unlikely ally.
Eugenie Bouchard defends Nick Kyrgios
Since the news of Kyrgios taking over the commentary box broke, fans have voiced their dissent. Many feel that there are better broadcasters and sports journalists who could have easily replaced him. Kyrgios did find an unlikely ally in Eugenie Bouchard.
A lot of fans think that Kyrgios has taken all the attention away from the ATP Finals. Bouchard, though, has asked fans to stop hating him.
girl- pic.twitter.com/0ZhQHGOz3Y
— f ❁ (@kerber_IN) November 16, 2023
Nick Kyrgios is once again in the limelight, but not for his tennis. Although there is still an air of uncertainty about his comeback, he is trying his best to return as soon as he can.