Wimbledon 2015 Quarterfinals (Photo : REUTERS)
Australian-Greek tennis player Nick Kyrgios just experienced cyberbullying when he learned the negative reaction of many Wimbledon 2015 followers to his court behavior on Monday at the international sporting event. He was particularly hurt many of his ferocious critics were his countrymen.
Kyrgios, ranked 29th, and Bernard Tomic, ranked 26th, were Australia's last hope to end a 13-year Wimbledon men's single grand slam title drought. The last time an Australian got it was in 2002 by Lleyton Hewitt.
During his Monday match against Richard Gasquet when the 20-year-old display his shot-making skills, Kyrgios was fined for audible obscenity and debated with the umpire. He also seems to look like not returning the serves of Gasquet to whom Kyrgios lost. The incident let to criticisms from Aussies that he tanked or gave up on the Australian campaign for the title.
One of those who criticized Kyrgios and Tomic is Dawn Fraser, an ex-swimming champ who said the pair should "go back to where their parents came from" if they can't behave well in public, quotes The Guardian. Fraser eventually apologized for her remarks, but the hate messages online continues.
Kyrgios admits it's tough for him to begin his day reading negative messages on social media such as he is not a worthy representative for Australia and he's a disgrace. In his defense, the young athlete admits, "I try and I just play the game and get emotional here and there. At the end of the day. I'm just as shocked with what's happened."
He appealed to Aussies to know him first as a person before they judge him. Kyrgios points out that he does not write bad tweets against anyone nor badmouth anyone else. "I'm not this person everyone thinks I am," he stresses.
Many Australians are unaware of the tennis player's personal issues such as his grandfather's battle with cancer and Tomic's recent removal from the Davis Cup team because of his friend's public disagreement with Tennis Australia.
USA Today notes that while the young Aussie tennis ace may be "the most hated man in tennis today," the daily also hints "He also might be its future." The newspaper acknowledges that the sport needs "some new, boiling blood," and Kyrgios fits the bill. With his brashness in his victories and obstinacy in his losses, the young man is "entertainment in a gold chain and bad haircut," USA Today states.
