Nick Kyrgios has jumped to the defence of world number one Daniil Medvedev after footage emerged of the Russian being heckled by fans at the Canadian Open.
Medvedev suffered a surprise loss to Kyrgios in the round of 32 in Montreal last week and was called a loser by a fan as he left the arena.
The reigning US Open champion took exception to the remark and turned around to confront the heckler.
A video of the incident has since been posted on social media with Kyrgios quick to back up Medvedev and call for fans to show more respect.
Disgusting behaviour ☹️ This is the best we have in the sport, fans need to show some respect. https://t.co/p0MG6vF4Xn
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) August 14, 2022
Kyrgios and Medvedev have played each other twice already in 2022 with the world number one winning their 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 shouted out in an effort to distract him.
“They are idiots. No brains, empty brains. Probably their life must be very bad,” Medvedev said of the fans following the final.
“Before Rafa serves even in the fifth set, there would be somebody, and I would even be surprised, like one guy screaming, ‘C’mon, Daniil.’ A thousand people would be like, ‘Tsss, tsss, tsss.’ That sound.
“Before my serve, I didn’t hear it. It’s disappointing. It’s disrespectful, it’s disappointing. I’m not sure after 30 years I’m going to want to play tennis.
“The kid that was dreaming is not in me anymore after today. It will be tougher to continue tennis when it’s like this.”
What did Medvedev say about the heckler at the Canadian Open?
After his poor treatment in Australia, Medvedev has made it clear he won’t back down from hecklers in the future.
He did just that in Montreal and was less than impressed by the reaction from the fan and their father.
“It doesn’t matter whether it’s after a game, during a tournament, in the street or at home – if someone makes fun of me, I’ll answer,” Medvedev said via L’Equipe.
“I went to the guy and said, ‘What’s your problem? Why are you saying that? You shouldn’t be doing that.’
“He barely spoke English. People around him wanted him to apologise. But it does not matter.
“I will never let someone yell nasty things at me while continuing on my way without saying anything.
“The only thing that worries me is his father. when I called out to his son, he too started talking badly to me!
“I’m sorry, but when I have children, I’m not going to educate them so that they say unpleasant things to people. Educate your kid instead of talking badly to 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, by climbing the rankings in particular, the more likely it is to happen. On social media, it is common, but it is the same in all sports.
“When someone makes fun of me, I don’t let it happen, no matter who it is, no matter where it happens. I will never let anyone yell nasty things at me while walking on without saying anything. I’m going to confront him, ask him what his problem is.”
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