Tennis fans rage over Nick Kyrgios and Rafa Nadal news at Wimbledon
As well as the decision to relegate home hopeful Katie Boulter to Court 2, Wimbledon organisers have also sparked uproar after scheduling Nick Kyrgios' blockbuster clash with Stefanos Tsistipas on Court 1.
The schedule for Saturday's play at Wimbledon has proved highly controversial, with organisers copping a pasting on social media.
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Coco Gauff will open proceedings on centre court on Saturday against compatriot Amanda Anisimova, followed by former champion Petra Kvitova against World No.4 Paula Badosa.
Rafa Nadal will then close out the action on centre court against Italian outsider Lorenzo Sonego.
On Court 1, Alex de Minaur and Liam Broady will kick things off, followed by World No.1 Iga Swiatek against Alize Cornet before the Kyrgios and Tsitsipas blockbuster.
That means British golden girl Katie Boulter will be shunted out to Court 2 for her clash with Serena Williams' conqueror Harmony Tan.
While fans were furious over the snub for Boulter, many also couldn't believe that Kyrgios and Tsitsipas isn't on centre court.
Tsitsipas is the World No.5 and Kyrgios is one of the main attractions at Wimbledon, however organisers decided to put Nadal and Sonego on centre court instead.
While Nadal is the World No.4 and a 22-time grand slam champion, many believe the Kyrgios-Tsitsipas clash is more fitting for centre court billing.
Leading tennis writer Jose Morgado tweeted: "It has to be a joke that Tsitsipas-Kyrgios isn’t a Centre Court match at Wimbledon. My god."
Stuart Fraser of The Times wrote: "Disbelief here at tomorrow's schedule. Wonder if the previous behaviour of Kyrgios had an impact on this particular choice..."
Kyrgios copped a $10,000 fine on Thursday after admitting he spat in the direction of a fan who had been heckling him during his first-round match.
Disbelief here at tomorrow's schedule. Wonder if the previous behaviour of Kyrgios had an impact on this particular choice... https://t.co/goj43qL6gE
— Stuart Fraser (@stu_fraser) July 1, 2022
You’ve been conned if you bought Saturday Centre Court tickets. Two ladies’s singles likely to be over in an hour plus Nadal in straight sets…
vs.
De Minaur vs a British local hope, a certified freak world No.1 woman on a winning streak and Kyrgios v Tsitsipas. #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/9TrybZ8VfQ— Rory Flanagan (@Rory_Flanagan) July 1, 2022
Why would his behaviour have an impact on what court he plays? If his behaviour was truly an issue he wouldn't be allowed to play at all. It's clear Nadal has asked for CC & due to the middle Sunday they don't have the usual 2 men's matches on CC.
— what's the craic? (@whatsthecraic1) July 1, 2022
If I had tickets for Centre court tomorrow, I would be disappointed. I would much rather see Tsitsipas-Kyrgios or Boulter-Tan than the 2 womens matches that they've put there. Obvious Nadal was going to be there.
— Norma Baron 🪐 😷 💙 (@NormaBaron06) July 1, 2022
This woke scheduling needs to stop, Gauff over Kyrgios v Tsitsipas is an absolute joke
— Mike (@MichaelK_92) July 1, 2022
It's a joke.
Only one male player on the bottom half of the draw has played on CC - Nadal - zero other plyers.
Because Wimb has alternated 2xW, 1xM on every 2nd day, the mens top half has had 6 selections, & the bottom half only 3 selections (all Rafa).
This is not balanced.— DorianGray (@DorianJGray) July 1, 2022
Shame on you: a match like Kyrgios-Tsitsipas deserved to play on Centre Court
— ԍıᴜʟıᴀ 🧡 (@GiuliaV5) July 1, 2022
Never mind about Tsitsipas-Kyrgios ! What about @Simona_Halep (former champion ) !? @Wimbledon tournament director shame on you !
— 🎾Adrian🎾 (@Adrian86uk) July 1, 2022
Aussie great could help take down Nick Kyrgios
Tsitsipas is leaning on Mark Philippoussis as the Greek ace plots to end Kyrgios' rollercoaster Wimbledon campaign in a third-round show-stopper.
After taking serving tips from Australia's former Wimbledon finalist at Melbourne Park in January, Tsitsipas has invited Philippoussis back into his inner sanctum ahead of Saturday's big-hitting showdown at the All England Club.
It took the great Roger Federer in his maiden grand slam final in 2003 to stop Philippoussis from serving his way to glory on London's hallowed grass courts.
Now, Team Tsitsipas is only too happy to tap into the experience of the man who was known as 'the Scud' in honour of his missile serves, as they seek to tame another Australian who can belt them down, with 54 aces to Kyrgios's name so far in just two matches.
"Mark is someone that I know since a long time now. We've been collaborating in the past a little bit. He's a good friend of ours. We also speak the same language," Tsitsipas said on Friday.
"There's good connection with him, which matters a lot. Not only on the tennis court, but I think he has good values as a person. Obviously, we respect him a lot.
"We also like being around him as a family, the Tsitsipas family. He has been a very good friend. We've been seeing him in other grand slams, too.
"He happened to be at Wimbledon. My dad offered him to be next to us. That's how it's going so far. Nothing more. Nothing less."
With three defeats from as many meetings with Kyrgios, including a brilliant three-setter at Halle a fortnight ago, Tsitsipas will take all the help he can get.
"Nick has more matches on me in these courts. He claims to like grass. I think his game is good for the grass," said Tsitsipas.
"I am definitely thrilled to be facing him. I respect him a lot, on the court, what he's trying to do. Although he has been a little controversial in the past, I think he's playing good tennis.
"I'm going to try and concentrate on doing my thing and pay attention to my own game from start to finish. Hopefully I can stay there and do something great, have a great competitive match against him."
with AAP
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