After bankruptcy against Nadal
Angry Kyrgios scares ball boy
03/18/2022, 09:35 am
Rafael Nadal continues his triumphal march this year. Even Nick Kyrgios can’t stop him in Indian Wells. His quarter-final defeat rankles him, and once again he freaks out. His furiously discarded racquet almost hits a ball boy. But there is a happy ending.
Tennis veteran Rafael Nadal did not let Nick Kyrgios slow him down in his triumph this year. The Australian Open champion won the tournament in Indian Wells 7: 6 (7: 0), 5: 7, 6: 4 against the deeply frustrated Australian and advanced to the semifinals.
Kyrgios gave up the first set after a temporary lead at the end with a penalty point because he made a verbal mistake against a spectator. After the end of the game, he threw his racket so hard on the ground that it flew across the field in a high arc. A ball boy ducked, startled, afraid of being hit.
Kyrgios denied any intention, the racquet had unfortunately jumped away after impact. “I’m human, things like that happen,” said the 26-year-old, who has often been punished for his emotional outbursts.
Kyrgios apologized to the ball boy, he spread a corresponding dialogue on social networks after previously asking if anyone knew who he was. He had also promised to give the boy a bat. According to the message, the ball boy accepted the apology. “Thanks for reaching out, I’m fine.” The racket should therefore be handed over today, as it will continue to be used at the tournament.
After the 19th success in his 19th match this year, the 35-year-old world number one Nadal now meets his young compatriot Carlos Alcaraz in a duel of generations. The 18-year-old eliminated last year’s British winner Cameron Norrie 6: 4, 6: 3.
The Greek Maria Sakkari and the Spaniard Paula Badosa advanced to the women’s semifinals. Sakkari won 7:5, 6:4 against Jelena Rybakina from Kazakhstan, defending champion Badosa won 6:3, 6:2 against the Russian Veronika Kudermetowa.