Nick Kyrgios gave his all at this year’s US Open, didn’t he? The Australian tennis star shocked World Number 1, Daniil Medvedev, before bowing out of the tournament at the quarterfinal juncture. He lost out to Karen Khachanov in the last eight in a thrilling five-set match. Subsequently, former NBA star, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar opened up about Kyrgios’ frustrations.

Kyrgios was so upset after his match against Khachanov that he took out two rackets from his bag and smashed them on the court. He vented his frustration after coming so close to reaching his maiden US Open semifinal.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar reacts to Nick Kyrgios’ disappointing US Open exit

Penning down his thoughts about Kyrgios, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, on his official website, said, “I’d like to wag my finger at Kyrgios and talk about sportspersonship and being a role model for the kids watching, but there is something so comical about this that it’s hard to be too judgmental. First, it was a heartbreaker of a match: 7-5, 4-6, 7-5, 6-7(4), 6-4.”

Further, he went on to add, “Second, Kyrgios seemed to be having some physical pain issues throughout the match. Third, he acted calm and sincere at the net when congratulating Khachanov. And then a few seconds later he just snapped, beat the hell out of those two racquets, and picked up his stuff and left as if nothing had happened.” 

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Concluding his remarks, the NBA legend said, “Yes, the outraged commentators are correct that he shouldn’t have done that. But there was something so honest and spontaneous about his frustrated outburst—not directed at refs or the crowd or other players, just at himself—that all athletes can relate to. I just can’t hate on him for it.”

Kyrgios handed a massive fine for his actions

Due to his on-court outburst, the Australian star received the biggest fine of this year’s US Open so far. Kyrgios received a penalty of $14,000 for throwing a drinks bottle and smashing two rackets on the court.

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He had received fines earlier in the tournament as well. The total fines for Kyrgios amounted to $32,500 across the US Open this year.