Tennis fan suing Nick Kyrgios for '700 drinks' comment during Wimbledon final
The fan who was accused by Nick Kyrgios of being "drunk out of her mind" during the men's singles final at Wimbledon announced Tuesday that she's suing the Australian tennis star for defamation.
"During the course of the final, Nick Kyrgios made a reckless and entirely baseless allegation against me," Anna Palus said in a statement through her legal representation. "Not only did this cause considerable harm on the day, resulting in my temporary removal from the arena, but Mr. Kyrgios's false allegation was broadcast to, and read by, millions around the world, causing me and my family very substantial damage and distress.
"I am not litigious, but after much consideration, I have concluded that I have no alternative but to instruct my solicitors Brett Wilson LLP to bring defamation proceedings against Mr. Kyrgios in order to clear my name."
Kyrgios, 27, won the first set of the final before losing three straight against Novak Djokovic to lose the match in four. During his downward slide, Kyrgios voiced his frustration to the chair umpire about a talkative fan.
"She's distracting me when I'm serving in a Wimbledon final," Kyrgios could be heard saying on the broadcast. "She's drunk out of her mind talking to me in the middle of the game. ... It's the one who looks like she's had about 700 drinks, bro."
Kyrgios is currently facing a common assault charge stemming from a January 2021 incident involving his ex-girlfriend. On Tuesday, the case was adjourned until Oct. 4.
The loss to Djokovic was Kyrgios' first career Grand Slam final appearance.
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