Nick Kyrgios has recently caused controversy with his social media comments, and respected former player and analyst Andrea Petkovic criticized him for his behavior.
Kyrgios was a commentator and analyst on ESPN during the US Open. His work for the network received much attention, with fans being split about the 2022 Wimbledon runner-up's contributions during the event.
Many enjoyed the Australian's insights and felt he offered a unique voice throughout the tournament. Others found his work to be somewhat bland and believed the praise he received was too high.
However, some fans did not think he should be on ESPN at all due to his history of controversial comments. The 29-year-old often seems to crave attention, and his strong opinions on social media achieve that.
For instance, Kyrgios was one of Jannik Sinner's strongest critics after the news of his two positive tests for the banned substance clostebol became public. Sinner was cleared of wrongdoing and avoided a ban, but Kyrgios disagreed with that decision.
The seven-time ATP title winner thinks Sinner should have been banned for two years even if he did not know the substance was in his body. Despite his blunt views about his doping case, Sinner was still open to being interviewed by Kyrgios at the US Open.
Kyrgios caused more controversy ahead of the US Open final. The Australian used to date Anna Kalinskaya, who is now Sinner's girlfriend, sharing a kiss with the Italian after he secured the title at Flushing Meadows.
Many online fans were enraged when Kyrgios replied with "second serve" to an old picture of him and Kalinskaya, which many interpreted as a misogynistic attack on Kalinskaya since she is now dating Sinner.
Petkovic was one of the few prominent tennis analysts to speak out against Kyrgios. On her Substack blog, she wrote that his antics on social media made her sad and tainted his work on television.
"Nick Kyrgios on X. His escapades on there make me sad (and angry but mostly sad). He could be truly fantastic on TV but he keeps self-sabotaging with misogynist nonsense."
"I may not be a fan of his fashion on TV (but I'm also old - see 'things that make me happy' - and a strong believer in suits for men) but his content is great."
"Unfortunately, he taints it with his online persona. The one thing that makes or breaks somebody on TV is their authenticity and whether people choose to believe them."
Kyrgios' praise for women's tennis during broadcasts is also not something that Petkovic is buying. She says no one will believe him if he continues disparaging women online while saying he also appreciates the WTA Tour.
"Nick says good things about women's tennis on air but if he disparages them online, at one point people will stop believing him on air, too."
Many fans love Petkovic's commentary and analysis for her unique insights and quick wit. It would be great if Kyrgios listened to her and focused on giving his insights during tournaments, but causing online controversy seems to be something he cannot resist.
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