Kyrgios pleads guilty to assault
AUSTRALIAN TENNIS star Nick Kyrgios apologised for shoving a former girlfriend to the ground two years ago after he escaped conviction yesterday on a charge of common assault.
The 2022 Wimbledon runner-up pleaded guilty in the Australian Capital Territory Magistrates Court to assaulting Chiara Passari during an argument in his hometown of Canberra in January 2021.
Magistrate Beth Campbell did not record a conviction against Kyrgios for reasons including that the offence was at the low end of seriousness for a common assault, was not premeditated and he had no criminal record.
Kyrgios, who was using crutches following recent surgery on his left knee, ignored reporters’ questions as he left court but issued a statement through a management company.
“I respect today’s ruling and am grateful to the court for dismissing the charges without conviction,” Kyrgios said. “I was not in a good place when this took place and I reacted to a difficult situation in a way I deeply regret. I know it wasn’t OK and I’m sincerely sorry for the hurt I caused.
“Mental health is tough. Life can seem overwhelming. But I’ve found that getting help and working on myself has helped me to feel better and to be better,” he added.
The only media question he responded to as he was about to be driven away from the court was: “What’s next for Nick Kyrgios?”
“Just recovery and get back on court,” Kyrgios replied.
Campbell described the shove as an act of “stupidity” and “frustration”.
She assured him his celebrity was not a factor in his avoiding a criminal record.
“You’re a young man who happens to hit the tennis ball particularly well and your name is widely recognised outside this courtroom,” Campbell told Kyrgios.
“I deal with you exactly the same way as any young man in this court.”
Kyrgios’ psychologist, Sam Borenstein, said in a written report and testimony by phone that Kyrgios had suffered major depressive episodes around the time of the assault and had used alcohol and drugs to cope. Kyrgios’ mental health led to impulsive and reckless behaviour.
His recent knee injury had resulted in mild to moderate symptoms of depression, but his mental health was improving, Borenstein said.