Nick Kyrgios Praised For Calling A Truce With Ball Kids And Umpires After 'Tough Relationship'

Rugby league legend Sam Thaiday has applauded Nick Kyrgios for his "humble" post-match speech at Wimbledon.

The Australian tennis player had just been beaten by former foe Novak Djokovic, meaning he missed out on clinching his first ever singles grand slam title.

It's no secret that Kyrgios has faced his share of criticism and scrutiny throughout the prestigious tournament, but the Aussie ensured he left Centre Court on a good note – despite falling short in his quest for gold.

Once the match had wrapped up, the fan favourite was called to the microphone where he congratulated Djokovic and also called a truce with the ball kids and chair umpires following a few earlier run-ins.

It was certainly refreshing to hear and NRL icon Thaiday was full of praise for his fellow countryman.

"He was very humble in defeat," Thaiday said while appearing as a special guest host on the SPORTbible Daily Podcast.

"He spoke really well at the end of the match, thanking the ball boys and girls as well as thanking the umpires and lines people."

Throughout the tense clash, Kyrgios showed signs that he was growing in frustration, taking his anger out on a number of occasions.

But in his post-match chat, he put all that to one side and thanked everyone for being a part of arguably one of Wimbledon's most memorable journeys, proving once again why he's a favourite among tennis fans.

"First of all, I just wanted to congratulate Novak and his team," Kyrgios said.

"You've won this championship I don't even know how many times anymore.

"Then obviously to all the ball kids and umpires, I know you and i have a very tough relationship at times, but thank you for putting up with it."

Kyrgios' comments directed at the chair umpires comes after he clashed with them multiple times during his entertaining run to the final.

As for thanking the ball boys and girls, Kyrgios clearly thinks he owes them one, especially after his exchange with a young lad a few months back.

The Aussie made headlines just days before Wimbledon kicked off when he seemingly told a ball boy to run properly during a match in Germany.

This did see him receive some backlash, although ball girls and boys from around the world will have undoubtedly enjoyed the recognition they got during Kyrgios' recent shout-out.

Featured Image Credit: SPORTbible Daily/YouTube/Wimbledon

Topics: Australia, Nick Kyrgios, Rugby League, NRL, Wimbledon

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry