WATCH: Nick Kyrgios Gets Teary as he Pays Tribute to Kobe Bryant Before Rafael Nadal Match
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Nick Kyrgios paid tribute to legendary N.B.A star Kobe Bryant ahead of his fourth-round clash against arch-rival Rafael Nadal at the Australian Open 2020 on Monday.
The retired Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna died in a helicopter crash near Calabasas, California Sunday.
Emotional scenes in Melbourne ❤@NickKyrgios | #AusOpenpic.twitter.com/llkG85fcPw
— ATP Tour (@atptour) January 27, 2020
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Nick Kyrgios in tears as he gives tribute to Kobe Bryant
Kyrgios walked out wearing a #8 yellow Lakers jersey of Bryant and was very emotional as he sat on the bench on the side of the court. The Australian also held back his tears while walking down the Rod Laver Arena.
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A video was also played at the Rod Laver Arena to pay tribute to the five-time NBA Champion and one of the greatest players in basketball history ahead of the match between Nadal and Kyrgios
Goosebumps!@NickKyrgios & @RafaelNadal take a stroll down the 'Walk of Champions' which will lead them to tonight's battle ground: @RodLaverArena. #AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/S38azQSFha
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 27, 2020
Tennis Community Mourns The Passing Away of Kobe Bryant in a Helicopter Crash
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“I am in shock”: Rafael Nadal
Earlier, World No.1 Nadal also sent out a heartfelt tribute to Bryant when he learned of the sad news.
“I woke up this morning with the horrible news of the tragic death of one of the greatest sportsman in the world,” Nadal wrote on Twitter.
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He further added: “Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and other passengers. My condolences to his wife and families. I am in shock.”
Rafael Nadal and Nick Kyrgios will face each other for the eighth time in their career with the Spaniard leading their head-to-head 4-3. However, Kyrgios leads their head-to-head on the hard courts. In the last encounter between the two rivals, Nadal prevailed with a four-set victory at the 2019 Wimbledon Championships.
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