Quarter-final for Kyrgios as assault allegations loom
NICK Kyrgios will play in Wimbledon’s quarter finals today despite being summoned to court to face allegations that he assaulted his ex-girlfriend.
The controversial tennis star is due to appear in front of magistrates in Canberra, Australia next month to face a single charge of ‘common assault’.
It is understood the charge, which carries a jail sentence of up to two years, relates to an allegation that Kyrgios ‘grabbed’ Chiara Passari during their 18-month relationship.
It appears bosses at the All England Club had been unaware of the case after an incident last December, which first became public yesterday. A spokesman said: ‘We are in touch with Nick’s team and he remains scheduled to play his quarter-final match tomorrow.’ The Australian is already engulfed in controversy over his on-court antics, which have seen him fined thousands.
The 27-year-old practiced at the club yesterday soon after news of the summons emerged, as he prepares to battle it out against Chile’s Cristian Garin for a place in the final four.
While he remained tightlipped when asked about the allegations, the player told reporters: ‘I feel like I’m in The Last Dance.’
It is thought the basketball fan was referring to the Netflix series in which players Michael Jordan and Dennis Rodman battle bad press.
The world no40 is due to appear at the Australia Capital Territory (ACT) Magistrates’ Court next month, according to court listings.
A police statement said: ‘ACT Policing can confirm a 27-year- old Watson man is scheduled to face the ACT Magistrates’ Court on August 2 in relation to one charge of common assault following an incident in December 2021.’
His barrister Jason Moffett confirmed the charge was ‘in the context of a domestic relationship’. He added: ‘The nature of the allegation is serious, and Mr Kyrgios takes the allegation very seriously.’
The comment was soon followed by a statement from his legal team led by lawyer Pierre Johannessen, who pointed out that Kyrgios is yet to be formally charged.
His statement added: ‘While Mr Kyrgios is committed to addressing any and all allegations once clear, taking the matter seriously does not warrant any misreading of the process Mr Kyrgios is required to follow.’
Kyrgios and Miss Passari had an on- off relationship until late last year, during which their frequent rows played out in embarrassing spats on social media.
After one particularly heated argument in October, the former couple were put in separate rooms in their Adelaide quarantine hotel after police said they were ‘ alerted to a verbal argument’.
Miss Passari has previously suggested that Kyrgios’ new relationship with Sydneybased blogger Costeen Hatzi, 21, would end in tears.
During this week’s Wimbledon, the star has been criticised for his behaviour on court in which he has been criticised for ranting at officials, fans and opponents.
He received a $ 10,000 (£8,260) fine after he admitted spitting in the direction of a rowdy spectator and a $4,000 (£3,300) penalty for swearing during Saturday’s fiery clash with Stefanos Tsitsipas.
A third punishment could be looming after he broke Wimbledon’s strict dress code by wearing red Air Jordan trainers and a red cap for an on- court interview following his fourth-round victory.
The Association of Tennis Professionals said that while it was aware of the case, it could not comment on legal proceedings.
‘Embarrassing spats on social media’