‘Disgusting’ – Nick Kyrgios slams fans for Daniil Medvedev heckling at the Canadian Open
Nick Kyrgios has jumped to defend world number one Daniil Medvedev after footage surfaced of the Russian being harassed by fans at the Canadian Open.
Medvedev surprisingly lost to Kyrgios in the round of 16 in Montreal last week and was dubbed a loser by a fan as he left the arena.
The reigning US Open champion took offense at the remark and turned to confront the heckler.
A video of the incident has since been shared on social media, with Kyrgios quick to support Medvedev and urge fans to show more respect.
Disgusting behavior ☹️ This is the best thing we have in sport, fans need to show some respect. https://t.co/p0MG6vF4Xn
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) August 14, 2022
Kyrgios and Medvedev have already played each other twice in 2022, with the world number one winning his first match at the Australian Open in four sets.
Medvedev had to deal with a less-than-friendly home crowd during his time in Melbourne, where he lost the final to Rafael Nadal after a number of fans screamed to distract him.
“They are idiots. No mind, empty mind. Their life must probably be very bad,” Medvedev said of the fans after the final.
“Before Rafa hits even in the fifth set there would be someone and I would even be surprised, like a guy yelling ‘Come on Daniil.’ A thousand people would say, ‘Tsss, tsss, tsss.’ That sound.
“I didn’t hear it before I served. It’s disappointing. It’s disrespectful, it’s disappointing. I’m not sure I want to play tennis after 30 years.
“The kid who dreamed is not in me after today. It becomes more difficult to continue tennis when it is like that.”
What did Medvedev say about the heckler at the Canadian Open?
After his poor treatment in Australia, Medvedev has made it clear that he will not shy away from heckling in the future.
He did just that in Montreal and was unimpressed by the reaction from fans and her father.
“It doesn’t matter after a game, during a tournament, on the street or at home – if someone makes fun of me, I answer,” said Medvedev L’Equipe.
“I went up to the guy and said, ‘What’s your problem? Why are you saying that? You shouldn’t be doing that.’
“He hardly spoke any English. People around him wanted him to apologize. But that doesn’t matter.
“I will never let anyone yell nasty things at me as I continue on my way without saying anything.
“The only thing that worries me is his father. When I called his son, he started badmouthing me too!
“I’m sorry, but if I have children, I won’t raise them to tell people uncomfortable things. Educate your child instead of badmouthing me!
“This is one of the first times this has happened to me in real life. We will say that the more famous you become, especially by climbing the rankings, the more likely it is to happen. It’s common on social media, but it’s the same with all sports.
“If someone makes fun of me, I won’t allow it, no matter who it is, no matter where it happens. I will never let anyone yell nasty things at me while I walk on without saying anything. I’m going to confront him, ask him what his problem is.”