Nick Kyrgios has apologized to a fan he accused of being “drunk to death” during his loss in this year’s Wimbledon final and donated £20,000 to a charity of his choice following a legal challenge.
Kyrgios, known for his outbursts, complained to the referee during his match against Novak Djokovic in July, saying the fan had spoken to him during points.
Asked by the referee to identify the fan, Kyrgios said: “The one with the dress, the one who looks like she’s had about 700 drinks, bro!” reports RTE.
Anna Palus said the 27-year-old Australian had defamed her by making “a reckless and entirely baseless allegation” and began legal action in August, adding any damages she wins would be donated to charity, reports RTE.
Kyrgios apologized in a statement released to British media by Knight Temple Law, who represented Palus.
“I told the umpire that a fan, who I now know to be Anna Palus, was distracting me during the match, believing that she was drunk. I accept that belief was mistaken, and I apologise. To make amends, I have donated 20,000 pounds to the Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, a charity chosen by Ms Palus. I will not be commenting on this matter again,” Kyrgios said in the statement, reports RTE.
After years of underperformance, Kyrgios was in exceptional form in the second half of 2022, winning the title in Washington and reaching his first Grand Slam final at Wimbledon and the US Open quarterfinals.
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