
Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has stuck up for Emma Raducanu after the British teenager came in for criticism for praising his quarter-final display at Wimbledon.
On Wednesday Kyrgios, 27, advanced into the semi-finals of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career when he overcame Christian Garin in straight sets. The Aussie was at his sublime best against Garin, with the match also void of the controversies which have thus far tainted his run at SW19. And Raducanu, 19, took to Twitter to laud the display, simply writing 'NK' alongside a magician's wand emoji.
Read also
But her post seemed to anger a number of her followers, given on Tuesday it was confirmed that Kyrgios had been charged with common assault by Australian authorities The allegations relate to an incident with his ex-partner, Chiara Passari.
That news followed divisive behavior from Kyrgios during the opening week at SW19, who was fined for spitting towards a spectator during his first round match with Paul Jubb. He then received another financial penalty for an 'audible obscenity' during his clash with Stefanos Tsitsipas.
And in response he's spoken up for Raducanu, telling reporters: "I feel like I've kind of stuck up for her a bit in the media with some of the stuff that older legends kind of love to just throw shade and have their opinions on young players, young important players.
"She's obviously going to be one of the most important players on the WTA Tour for a very long time. She's obviously capable of winning a Grand Slam at 18. She's very capable of doing that again."
Read also
And the Canberra man clearly appreciated the apparent praise, adding: "I'm glad that I have those supporters. If she loves watching my tennis, that's great.
"I enjoy watching her tennis, as well. But I think that was just a bit of a payback for how much I've kind of stuck up for her in the media."
Growing up in a household where soccer was king, my earliest memories are filled with chants from packed stadiums and the rhythm of a ball being passed across neighborhood streets. But somewhere along the way, the quiet elegance and raw emotion of tennis pulled me in. What began as a curiosity became a lifelong passion; not just for the sport itself, but for the stories it tells: of grit, of heartbreak, of improbable comebacks and human resilience.
As a tennis writer, I bring the observational lens of someone who didn’t grow up in the sport, but fell in love with it as an outsider; a perspective that lets me see both its technical beauty and its emotional depth. Over the years working with TennisUpToDate, I’ve had the privilege of reaching more than 3.5 million readers worldwide, with one of my features ranking among the site’s top three articles.
With a background in storytelling and a creative mind always searching for meaning beyond the scoreboard, I aim to craft narratives that go deeper than results and rankings. Whether it’s a rising star breaking through or a veteran fighting off Father Time, I try to capture the heartbeat behind the headlines.
claps 3visitors 3
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.
mandoist09-11-2026 - Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!
mandoist09-11-2026 - "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?
mandoist09-11-2026 - Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.
mandoist08-11-2026 - Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??
mandoist08-11-2026 - Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026








