SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER!
 
 
Facebook Social Button Twitter Social Button Follow Us on InstagramYouTube Social Button
NewsScoresRankingsLucky Letcord PodcastShopPro GearPickleballGear Sale

Popular This Week

Net Notes - A Tennis Now Blog

Net Posts

Industry Insider - A Tennis Now Blog

Industry Insider

Second Serve - A Tennis Now Blog

Second Serve

 

Stuttgart Investigating Kyrgios Claim of Racist Fan Slur


Stuttgart tournament officials are investigating Nick Kyrgios' claim of hearing a racist slur from a fan.

Boss Open tournament officials issued a statement saying "the incident is currently under investigation."

More: Wimbledon Prize Money Increase

"We stand for creating an inclusive environment for all players, staff members and visitors where discrimination of any kind is not tolerated," tournament officials said. "This attitude is lived by all people involved and responsible. These fundamental values are as important as values like fairness, tolerance and team spirit to us. Thus, no discriminating actions by the spectators are accepted.

"We have expressed our regret towards Nick Kyrgios and his team and assured that any kind of discrimination is unacceptable. The incident is currently under investigation."


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by BOSS OPEN (@bossopen)



The tournament statement comes in response to Kyrgios' comment on Instagram.

The Aussie referenced "racist comments" he heard from a fan in Stuttgart.



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Nick Kyrgios (@k1ngkyrg1os)



"I play this game to give people a show. To feel something, different from ordinary tennis," Kyrgios said. "But one thing I won’t ever tolerate is spectators heckling and blasting abuse to athletes. It’s been happening personally to me for a while, from racist comments to complete disrespect.

"For years it’s been something I’ve brushed off but especially in Indian wells and today all the way in Stuttgart, it’s made me realise that people seem to think it’s normal. Im seeing it happen in other sports, and to many other athletes. We are playing FOR YOU, whether you are backing the opponent or not. You may not think it’s a big deal, but it could affect someone’s life more than you think.

"Wake up to yourselves. Not just in tennis, but in every other sport. My young athletes, coloured or not, I hope that this message is heard so you don’t ever have to feel alienated, or embarrassed to be you and to perform on the world stage."

Photo credit: Boss Open

Posted: