Nick Kyrgios has gone viral on social media after shutting down a reporter who reminded him about Wimbledonâs strict dress code.The Australian walked onto Centre Court wring red trainers and a red cap before defeating Brandon Nakashima in five sets.Kyrgios then changed into the same clothes and now risks being fined for a third time this tournament for breaching rules which state white must be worn âfrom the point at which the player enters the court surroundâ.The world No. 40, however, was no mood for one reporterâs lecture, saying: âI do what I want.âLONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 04: Nick Kyrgios of Australia waves to the crowd after winning against Brandon Nakashima of United States of America during their Men's Singles Fourth Round match on day eight of The Championships Wimbledon 2022 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 04, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Nick Kyrgios interview goes viral
Hereâs the interview transcript, per BBC Sportâs video, in full:
Reporter: âWe all know the Wimbledon dress code rules are very strict. âCompetitors must be dressed in suitable tennis attire that is almost entirely white and this applies from the point at which the player enters the court surroundâ. Why then, would you walk onto Centre Court with bright red trainers on and do an interview in a red cap?â
Kyrgios: âBecause I do what I want.â
Reporter: âSo youâre above the rules?â
Kyrgios: âNo. Iâm not above the rules.â
Reporter: âSo, what is it? They donât apply to you?â
Kyrgios: âWell I just like wearing my Jordans.â
Reporter: âBut there are rules specifically against that. I donât want to spoil the surprise, but the referees are going to be speaking to you about it afterwards.â
Kyrgios: âThatâs OK. I wear some Triple Whites tomorrow.â
Reporter: âThatâs fine then. So everyone else in both draws follows the rules but Nick Kyrgios doesnât?â
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 04: Nick Kyrgios of Australia talks to the media during a press conference after winning against Brandon Nakashima of United States of America during their Men's Singles Fourth Round match on day eight of The Championships Wimbledon 2022 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 04, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by AELTC/Joe Toth - Pool/Getty Images)
Kyrgios: âBut nobody else, even after Wimbledon, no-one else really walks with Jordans on the court.â
Reporter: âBut, sorry, Nick has just moaned about the controversy that surrounds himâ¦â
Kyrgios: âI havenât moaned. I love it.â
Reporter: âBut youâve laughed it off. So, thatâs all part of it you reckon?â
Kyrgios: âWell yeah, itâs more attention for me. Whatâs that saying? Any publicity is good publicity. Right?â
Reporter: âIf you say so.â
Kyrgios: âKeep doing you then champion.â
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Watch Kyrgiosâs defiant interview here:
Many sports fans on Twitter appear to be on Kyrgiosâs side. Letâs check out some of the reaction:
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Kyrgios will now take on Cristian Garin aiming to secure a place in the Wimbledon semi-finals, although a shoulder problem could jeopardise his chances of going further in the tournament.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 04: Nick Kyrgios of Australia celebrates a point against Brandon Nakashima of United States of America during their Men's Singles Fourth Round match on day eight of The Championships Wimbledon 2022 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 04, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
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