Featured Image Credit: Citi Open/Twitter.
Topics: Australia, Tennis, Nick Kyrgios
Jayden Collins
Aussie tennis star Nick Kyrgios has won over the hearts of American fans after a classy act during a matchup at the Washington Open.
The Wimbledon finalist was playing just his second single match since losing to Novak Djokovic and was forced to put on a strong display against Tommy Paul in a 6-3, 6-4 win.
While the Australian was caught up in his usual antics at times, particularly after being given a code violation by the umpire, he also had moments of absolute class, both on the court and off it.
While in action during the first set Kyrgios had hit a wayward ball that had bounced into the stands and struck an elderly fan.
The woman appeared to be in distress and clutching her head as Tommy Paul and other spectators went over to check on her.
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Kyrgios went over from the other side of the court and after confirming she was okay, handed her one of his towels as a way of apologising to the woman.
The Washington crowd was full of applause for the Aussie for his kind gesture and had clearly won over the American for the rest of the matchup.
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Funnily enough, however, the woman appeared confused by the gesture and could be seen questioning the act, asking another spectator: “What’s this for?”
Despite the lady's apprehension, those in attendance and online were full of praise for the act of kindness.
Tennis commentator Jose Morgado tweeted: “Very nice gesture from Kyrgios there, gifting a towel to that lady in the first row.”
The rest of the tie was tough, however, the Aussie pulled through and now finds himself in the round of 16 matchup against Reilly Opelka.
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Audience participation seems to be commonplace in many of Kyrgios’ tennis ties, between calling out a woman who had 700 drinks at Wimbledon, and earlier this week having a more pleasant exchange with a fan.
During his first-round tie against Marco Giron, Kyrgios was caught chatting with a spectator and even asking her what way he should serve the match point before belting down a rocket for victory.
The world number 63 is clearly enjoying his tennis more and more following a media-heavy Wimbledon run.
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"I won the tournament in 2019, seeing my name up on the stadium and then knowing that I didn't play well at all here last year - I lost first round," he said.
"I was just going through such a dark time in my life and I'm just so happy to be here with my team.
"The love and support I'm getting from the crowd, I'm just really happy to be out here playing some really good tennis again."