Nick Kyrgios still the protagonist of a curious episode at the US Open 2022. It all happened just yesterday during his second round match against Benjamin Bonzi won 7-6 6-4 4-6 6-4, when, on the score of 4 -3 of the second set, the Australian drew the attention of chair umpire Jaume Campistol for smelling marijuana.
Kyrgios said to the umpire: “But this is the smell of marijuana, can you remember that it’s not done?” Kyrgios also told the referee that he suffers from asthma and, therefore, would represent a potential health hazard: “Not exactly ideal for someone who runs around the court, I also have asthma.”
At that point, Campistol tried to explain to him that maybe it was the smells coming from the kitchens. Hence the response of the Australian, who said he was sure of what he had perceived: “Obviously, I wouldn’t complain about the smells of food.
This is marijuana.” Upon returning to the pitch, the referee then made an announcement. After the game, Kyrgios explained: “Maybe people don’t know, but I have asthma. And it’s not ideal for me what happened.”
Kyrgios: “I want the final”
2022 evidently represented the turning point for Nick Kyrgios, who found serenity outside and therefore inside the court. The final reached at Wimbledon, albeit with some help given Nadal’s retirement, is proof of this and now the Australian is ready and motivated to repeat the feat at the US Open.
“At this moment in my career I don’t want to disappoint anyone anymore. I feel I am a man and a tennis player who can inspire other people and this makes me responsible. I know how hard my team works and I remember that three or four years ago right here in New York felt terrible because I couldn’t express myself the way I wanted.
I know I’ve reached a Grand Slam final and I know I want to do it again. I’m trying to find a balance in my life, not least because the press and fans go crazy wherever I go. I thought the final at Wimbledon would make me relax and instead it gave me the opportunity to work even harder. I feel like I’m finally acting like a professional.”
