There are some things professional tennis players aren’t supposed to do in a match, and trying to intentionally smoke their opponent with a volley is definitely one of them. But if you’re Australian superstar Nick Kyrgios, not all rules apparently apply.
During their second round matchup at Wimbledon, Kyrgios legitimately attempted to smash a forehand straight at Rafael Nadal’s chest. Nadal managed to get his racket in the way at the last second but Kyrgios managed to come away with the point in what was a truly strange looking rally.
If you didn’t think it was intentional then think again. Kyrgios actually admitted to it, saying the following after the match:
DUDE! NOT COOL! It didn’t sit too well with the Spaniard either.
The following is an excerpt from For The Win:
“It’s not dangerous for me,” Nadal said. “It is dangerous for a line referee, dangerous for the crowd.” He went on to say, essentially and unironically, that someone could lose an eye.
Despite losing in four sets, Kyrgios still managed to show off some skill in the match. His underhand ace on Nadal was one of the cooler moments of the tournament, as he placed it just out of reach. Hey, at least something good came out of their tilt?
Nadal is moving on and thankfully he won’t have a bruise on his chest as he enters the third round at Wimbledon.
(H/T FTW)
