LONDON — The tension between Nick Kyrgios and BBC commentator Andrew Castle reached a boiling point during Wimbledon 2022, with Castle now opening up about their on-air "feud" and Kyrgios' behavior, which he claims left him "embarrassed" on live television.
The fiery exchange occurred during Kyrgios’ third-round match against Stefanos Tsitsipas, where the Australian star’s antics—including arguing with the umpire, demanding the removal of a line judge, and engaging in heated exchanges with the crowd—dominated the coverage. Castle, a former British No. 1 and longtime BBC analyst, criticized Kyrgios’ conduct, prompting a sharp retort from the player.
The On-Air Clash That Sparked the Feud
Castle, commentating for the BBC, did not hold back in his assessment of Kyrgios’ behavior, calling it "unprofessional" and suggesting it detracted from the sport. Kyrgios, who was mic’d up during the match, fired back at Castle directly, saying, "That’s rich coming from someone who never achieved anything in tennis."
The remark, broadcast live, left Castle visibly stunned. In a recent interview with The Telegraph, Castle admitted: "He embarrassed me, no question. It was a personal dig, and it wasn’t necessary. But that’s Nick—he thrives on confrontation."
Castle’s Perspective: Kyrgios Crossed a Line
Castle, who reached a career-high ranking of No. 80 in the 1980s, acknowledged Kyrgios’ talent but argued that his conduct often overshadows his ability. "He’s one of the most gifted players I’ve ever seen, but he lets himself down with the antics," Castle said. "There’s a difference between entertainment and disrespect."
The BBC commentator also revealed that Kyrgios’ comments affected him more than he initially let on. "I’ve been in this business a long time, but that one stung. It wasn’t just about me—it was about the role of commentators. We’re there to analyze, not to be targets."
Kyrgios’ History of Controversy
Kyrgios is no stranger to clashes with officials, opponents, and commentators. Some of his most notable incidents include:
- Fining himself $10,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct at the 2019 Cincinnati Masters
- Calling the ATP "corrupt" in a 2019 press conference
- Engaging in a heated argument with umpire Carlos Ramos at the 2022 US Open
Despite the controversies, Kyrgios has a loyal fanbase that appreciates his unfiltered personality. Former player and fellow commentator John McEnroe has often defended him, saying, "Nick brings eyeballs to tennis. Love him or hate him, he’s good for the game."
The Aftermath: Did Kyrgios Apologize?
Castle confirmed that Kyrgios never reached out to him privately after the incident. "I didn’t expect an apology, and I didn’t get one," he said. "That’s just not who he is. He doubles down."
Kyrgios, who reached the Wimbledon final that year (losing to Novak Djokovic), later addressed the clash in a press conference, shrugging it off: "I don’t care what commentators say. If they want to criticize me, they should be ready for a response."
A Broader Debate: Entertainment vs. Sportsmanship
The Kyrgios-Castle feud reignited the debate about where the line should be drawn between entertainment and professionalism in tennis. Some argue Kyrgios’ theatrics bring much-needed energy to the sport, while others believe they undermine its integrity.
Castle remains firm in his stance: "There’s room for personality, but not at the expense of respect. The greats—Federer, Nadal, Djokovic—show you can be both charismatic and dignified."
Conclusion: A Feud That Won’t Fade
While Kyrgios has since shifted focus to commentary and limited tournament play due to injuries, the fallout from his Wimbledon clash with Castle lingers. For Castle, the incident was a reminder of the challenges of live broadcasting. "You never know what’s coming with Nick. That’s what makes him fascinating—and frustrating."
As for Kyrgios, he remains unapologetic. In a recent podcast appearance, he quipped, "If commentators want to take shots, they better be ready for the return fire. That’s just how it goes."