Tennis
Nick Kyrgios: “I accept that belief was mistaken, and I apologise”; Anna Palus has said that the 27-year-old Australian had defamed her by making “a reckless and entirely baseless allegation” and began legal action in August
Saturday 5 November 2022 08:00, UK
Nick Kyrgios has apologised to a fan he accused of being “drunk out of her mind” during his loss in this year’s Wimbledon final.
The outspoken tennis star complained to the umpire during his match against Novak Djokovic in July, saying that the fan had been talking to him during points.
He said Anna Palus “looks like she’s had about 700 drinks” and was sued for defamation in response.
Asked by the umpire to identify the fan, Kyrgios said: “The one with the dress, the one who looks like she’s had about 700 drinks, bro!”
The Australian’s surprise run to the final at Wimbledon this year was littered with controversy, including run-ins with umpires, line judges, opponents, the media and fans.
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The latest development comes as Kyrgios seeks to have an assault charge dismissed on mental health grounds, a court has heard.
Ms Palus said that the 27-year-old Australian had defamed her by making “a reckless and entirely baseless allegation” and began legal action in August, adding any damages she wins would be donated to charity.
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Kyrgios apologised in a statement released to British media by Knight Temple Law, which represented Palus.
“I told the umpire that a fan, who I now know to be Anna Palus, was distracting me during the match, believing that she was drunk,” Kyrgios said in the statement.
“I accept that belief was mistaken, and I apologise.
“To make amends, I have donated £20,000 to the Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, a charity chosen by Ms Palus. I will not be commenting on this matter again.”
After years of underachieving, Kyrgios had a terrific run of form in the second half of 2022, winning the title in Washington and reaching his first Grand Slam singles final at Wimbledon and the US Open quarter-finals.
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