Last Updated: 03/07/22 8:32 AM Nicos Kyrgios wins a wild and wonderful Wimbledon third-round slugfest against Stefanos Tsitsipas
Stefanos Tsitsipas accused opponent Nick Kyrgios of bullying after their dramatic clash in the third round at Wimbledon on Saturday. The feisty Aussie recovered from losing a first-set tiebreak to win 6-7 (2-7) 6-4 6-3 7-6 (9-7) to win a match with code violations, penalty points and more series with officials. At one point Kyrgios even called for his opponent to go bankrupt for smashing a ball into the crowd in a bad case. The Australian’s remarks provoked Tsitsipas’ caustic response
The pair took their row to media interviews after the match, where the Greek fourth seed said Kyrgios had a “bad side” in his post-match press conference. He said: “It’s constant bullying, that’s what he does. He bullies opponents. He was probably a bully at school himself. I don’t like bullies. I don’t like people who put others down. “He has some good traits in his character, too. But he also has a very evil side, which if exposed, can really do a lot of harm and harm to the people around him.”

Kyrgios: I’m not sure how I intimidated him. I just think it’s soft

Days after being fined $10,000 for spitting at a fan during the first round, Kyrgios was warned for swearing on Saturday. “I’m not sure how I bully him. He was the one hitting balls at me, he was the one hitting a spectator, he was the one blowing it off the court,” Kyrgios said. “I just don’t understand what I did. Like I didn’t do anything to him. I didn’t think I was aggressive towards him. “I wasn’t hitting balls in his face. I do not know. I didn’t feel like there was any anger. “I wasn’t angry with Steph today in the race. I don’t know where it comes from, to be honest. “If he’s affected by it today, then that’s what’s holding him back. I just think he’s soft.” Twitter Due to your consent preferences, you cannot see these Privacy Options Twitter Due to your consent preferences, you cannot see these Privacy Options

How the drama unfolded

A chaotic encounter began in relative calm with Kyrgios hitting a near-flawless serve – including a between-the-legs forearm – in the first set. Kyrgios had dropped just four points on his serve, only to lose his way into the tiebreak as Tsitsipas took the lead. Kyrgios talks to an official during a bad match
However, at the interval Kyrgios asked for a new linesman after a bad call and complained to the spectators about another official before serving, prompting Tsitsipas to return to his towel amid pantomime screams from the crowd. Kyrgios was fouled at 5-4 in the second for a foul, followed by a stunning winner from a Tsitsipas on level. The sublime immediately returned to the utterly ludicrous, Tsitsipas angrily hitting a ball into the stands to earn a caution of his own, and Kyrgios insisted on busting. Instagram Due to your consent preferences, you cannot view these Privacy Options While Kyrgios was arguing with anyone and everyone, Tsitsipas took a bathroom break, came out and complained about the towel placement. Tsitsipas completely lost his head when Kyrgios held with another underarm serve, blasting the ball to win a takedown point. The Australian was quick to bow to the crowd after hitting a drop shot over the net, before falling to Tsitsipas’ side to help close out the third set and sum up the Greek’s fortunes. With the clock ticking towards 9pm, the roof was closed and when hostilities resumed, Kyrgios knocked down an ace to take the fourth set to another tiebreak. It was a scintillating highlight that ended with a drop shot, a wild celebration and confirmation that Kyrgios’ roadshow will be humming into week two. Rafael Nadal has overtaken Lorenzo Sonego on Center Court
Rafael Nadal cruised to a 6-1 6-2 6-4 victory over Lorenzo Sonego. The two-time Wimbledon champion had dropped sets in each of his first two wins at the All England Club this year but had no such problems against the 27th seed on Center Court. Nadal was in the fourth round until Sonego successfully closed the roof while trailing 4-2 in the third set. The Italian then broke the 22-time major winner to love under the lights, but an angry Nadal hit back in straight sets before serving out the match to keep his calendar-year Grand Slam bid on track. Chile’s Cristian Garin reached the fourth round for the second consecutive year
Cristian Garin reached the fourth round for the second consecutive year with a 6-2 6-3 1-6 6-4 win over 29th seed Jenson Brooksby. The 26-year-old Garin, who is ranked 43rd, said he appreciated the cheers from his compatriots in the stands on No 3 Court: “When I hear that, I know the Chileans are [here] somewhere, so that’s good.” Twitter Due to your consent preferences, you cannot view these Privacy Options
Taylor Fritz advanced to the fourth round for the first time after a straight sets win over Alex Molcan to ensure there will be four American men in the fourth round at Wimbledon for the first time since 1999. The 11th seed joined Tommy Paul, Brandon Nakashima and Frances Tiafoe in the last 16 after beating the Slovakian 6-4 6-1 7-6 (7-3) on No 3 Court. He will next face qualifier Jason Kubler for a place in the quarter-finals after the Australian beat qualifier Jack Sock 6-2 4-6 5-7 7-6 (7-4) 6-3. Join us for coverage from the All England Club with our daily live blog via skysports.com/tennis our Twitter account @skysportstennis & Sky Sports – on the go! Available to download now on – iPhone & iPad and Android