Outspoken player Nick Kyrgios has once again come under fire after criticising the upcoming French Open.
The world No.36 was at The All England Club on Monday, which is the venue of the Wimbledon Championships. During an Instagram video at the prestigious tennis venue, Kyrgios took aim at Roland Garros. Saying the event ‘sucks’ compared to Wimbledon. He also called for organisers ‘to get rid’ of clay tournaments.
“I think this (Wimbledon) is the best tournament in the world, look at this perfect green surface,” Kyrgios said in an Instagram story.
“Get rid of the clay, man. Who likes the clay? It is so bad.
“The fact that I’m here right now and then I have to go to Paris in a couple of days is like…
“The French Open sucks compared to this place. Sucks. Absolute sucks.”
The French Open will officially get underway on Sunday. Kyrgios’ best performance at the tournament was reaching the third round twice in 2015 and 2016. He missed the event last year due to injury. Overall, he has won five out of 10 main draw matches played at Roland Garros during his career.
Kyrgios’ grand slam record
Australian Open – Won 11, lost 6 (65% winning rate)
French Open – won 5, lost five (50% winning rate)
Wimbledon – won 12, lost 5 (71% winning rate)
US Open – Won 6, loss 6 (50% winning rate)
It is the latest controversy to surround the 24-year-old, who made headlines at the recent Italian Open for numerous reasons. In a podcast with No Challenges Remaining (NCR), the Australian slamed some of his rivals on the tour. Describing world No.1 Novak Djokovic as ‘cringeworthy’ and saying that he would never be as good as Roger Federer. He also described 11-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal as ‘super salty.’
Kyrgios was also defaulted from the Rome Masters for unsportsmanlike conduct. During what was a tense match, he smashed his racket, threw a chair onto the court and then walked off. He was subsequently fined 20,000 euros for his behaviour.
So far this season, Kyrgios has won 10 out of 17 matches played. His best performance was at the Acapulco Open where he defeated Nadal, Stan Wawrinka and Alexander Zverev on route to the title.
