LONDON — Controversial Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has once again found himself at the center of social media backlash after leaving a supportive comment on Emma Raducanu’s latest Instagram post. While Kyrgios’ message appeared innocuous, tennis fans were quick to criticize the 28-year-old, citing his history of on-court antics and perceived hypocrisy.
Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, recently shared a post celebrating her return to form after a series of injury setbacks. Kyrgios, who has been sidelined for much of the past year due to his own injuries, commented: "Keep going, Emma. The comeback is always greater than the setback." The remark, though seemingly positive, ignited a firestorm of reactions from fans who accused Kyrgios of failing to practice what he preaches.
Fan Backlash and Hypocrisy Claims
Many fans pointed out Kyrgios’ own struggles with consistency and commitment to the sport. One Twitter user wrote: "Pot calling the kettle black? Kyrgios is the last person who should be giving advice on comebacks when he barely plays half the season." Others referenced his frequent withdrawals from tournaments and past controversies, including:
- Tanking accusations during matches
- Fines for unsportsmanlike conduct
- Public feuds with officials and fellow players
- Multiple suspensions over his career
Kyrgios, known for his polarizing personality, has often defended his behavior as "authenticity." However, critics argue that his comment to Raducanu rings hollow given his own track record. Tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg tweeted: "Kyrgios offering motivational advice is like a arsonist giving fire safety tips. The intent might be there, but the credibility isn’t."
Raducanu’s Quiet Response
Raducanu, who has largely stayed out of drama since her breakthrough Grand Slam win, has yet to publicly acknowledge Kyrgios’ comment. The 21-year-old Brit has been focused on rebuilding her game after multiple surgeries, including wrist and ankle procedures that kept her off the court for much of 2023. Her recent performances, including a strong showing at the Stuttgart Open, suggest she’s on the right track.
Insiders close to Raducanu say she prefers to avoid engaging in social media spats. A source told The Telegraph: "Emma is all about positivity and moving forward. She appreciates support from anyone in the tennis community but doesn’t get involved in online debates."
Kyrgios’ History of Controversy
This isn’t the first time Kyrgios has faced criticism for his social media activity. Last year, he was accused of "stirring the pot" after commenting on Novak Djokovic’s post about vaccination mandates. He has also been called out for:
- Mocking opponents after losses
- Engaging in heated exchanges with fans
- Publicly feuding with legends like Boris Becker
- Facing legal issues off the court
Despite his controversies, Kyrgios retains a loyal fanbase who appreciate his unfiltered approach. One supporter argued: "Nick’s been through his own injuries and setbacks. Who better to encourage Emma than someone who understands the struggle?" However, the majority of reactions leaned toward skepticism.
The Bigger Picture: Tennis’ Social Media Divide
The incident highlights the growing tension between players’ social media presence and fan expectations. While athletes like Raducanu maintain a carefully curated image, Kyrgios thrives on spontaneity—often at the cost of backlash. Former player Pam Shriver weighed in: "Social media is a double-edged sword. Players want to connect, but every word gets dissected. Nick’s learning that the hard way—again."
As for Kyrgios, he has yet to address the criticism directly. His recent podcast appearances suggest he’s more focused on his eventual return to the ATP Tour. Whether he’ll tone down his online presence remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: in the age of viral reactions, even a well-intentioned comment can spark a firestorm.
For Raducanu, the focus stays on her game. With Wimbledon approaching, she’ll be hoping to let her racket do the talking—while Kyrgios’ words continue to dominate the conversation elsewhere.