Stefanos Tsitsipas has stated feedback he made about Nick Kyrgios ultimately 12 months’s Wimbledon had been “misinterpreted”, after his remarks had been featured on Netflix documentary “Damage Level” and perceived as racist on social media.
Tsitsipas, 24, used to be knocked out through Kyrgios in a bad-tempered third-round conflict on the grasscourt Grand Slam and described the Australian’s strategy to tennis as “uneducated”, announcing he introduced “that NBA basketball perspective” to the game.
The Greek international quantity 5 stated there have been an “unlucky false impression that has a distorted image of my intentions” in a long commentary posted to his Fb web page on Saturday.
“It has come to my consideration that some people have misinterpreted my feedback relating to Nick Kyrgios … insinuating racism the place none exists,” Tsitsipas wrote.
“I need to emphasize that I harbour no prejudice against any individual in accordance with their background, ethnicity, or pursuits. I deeply feel sorry about if my phrases had been misinterpreted or led to offence, as that used to be by no means my goal.”
Tsitsipas added his remarks weren’t supposed to undermine Kyrgios’ talent or intelligence.
“I merely supposed to precise my standpoint on sure facets of his taking part in taste, drawing comparisons to the fervour and depth steadily related to basketball,” he stated.
“It used to be an try to spotlight the dynamic and charming nature of his strategy to the sport, now not a grievance of his personality or features.
“Transferring ahead, I decide to being extra conscious of my phrases and the affect they will have.”
The 28-year-old Kyrgios, who reached the Wimbledon ultimate ultimate 12 months, noticed off Tsitsipas in 4 units in a tournament that steadily threatened to spiral out of regulate.
Kyrgios used to be warned for swearing and had a working discussion with the umpire, whilst Tsitsipas misplaced his composure and attempted to hit his opponent with a ruin after coming as regards to being defaulted for hitting a ball in frustration into the group.
The feud endured off-court, with Tsitsipas labelling Kyrgios a “bully” with “an evil facet” in a post-match media convention. Kyrgios laughed off Tsitsipas’s remarks and stated the Greek had “severe problems”.
This 12 months’s Wimbledon runs from July 3-16.