Australian Open 2025: Nick Kyrgios overrules umpire in classy gesture during first-round clash with Jacob Fearnley
By Leon Imber
Published 13/01/2025 at 10:12 GMT
React to this story
Nick Kyrgios made his long-awaited return to Grand Slam action in front of a buoyant home crowd at the John Cain Arena on Monday, and the Australian displayed a classy show of sportsmanship early on. The early stages of the Australian Open encounter were competitive, and Kyrgios stepped in to amend the umpire's decision when he felt it was called wrong.
'It was in!' - Kyrgios overrules umpire as he shows great sportsmanship
Video credit: TNT Sports
On his highly-anticipated return to Grand Slam tennis, Nick Kyrgios displayed a classy gesture as he stepped in to amend an incorrect call by the umpire in his Australian Open first-round clash.
At the typically rambunctious John Cain Arena, Kyrgios finally returned to a major tournament for the first time since 2022, after numerous injury issues forced him into a prolonged period on the sidelines.
He was drawn in an intriguing first-round encounter against Briton Jacob Fearnley, who has enjoyed a meteoric rise of over 500 ATP ranking spots in the past 12 months, and the opening exchanges were competitive.
With the pair exchanging holds early on, Kyrgios looked to have pulled 15-0 ahead in the third game, as Fearnley's pass was deemed to have landed in the tramlines by the umpire.
But Kyrgios, who was well beaten at the net, spoke up to amend the decision, responding: "It was in. It was in. The ball was inside the line."
The 2022 Wimbledon runner-up went on to overturn the deficit and hold the game, but could not prevent the inspired Fearnley from taking the opening set via a tie-break.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/01/13/4081674-82771128-2560-1440.png)
GB's Draper roars back to pip Navone in marathon match - Australian Open highlights
Video credit: TNT Sports
The Australian - who entered the tournament under a protected ranking of No. 21 - showed a reserved temperament in the early stages of the match before soon displaying his trademark on-court rants, often accompanied by expletives.
Kyrgios was visibly struggling with an abdominal injury which forced him to scrap a pre-tournament exhibition with Novak Djokovic, repeatedly grimacing while holding his torso, while shaking his head after service games.
Watch the 2025 Australian Open live on Eurosport and discovery+
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement