Nick Kyrgios hasn’t held back with his views on the saga engulfing the Estoril Open. On Friday, Cristian Garin moved into the semi-finals of the event in Portugal with a 6-2 7-6(7-3) victory over home favourite Nuno Borges, but his victory was greeted with resounding jeers aimed at both the player and the umpire.
During the clay-court contest, a spectator seemed to shout ‘out’ as Borges returned a shot from the baseline. Garin was still presented with a straightforward forehand, but carelessly went wide before erupting with anger.
The 27-year-old remonstrated with the umpire and argued he thought the call had come from the official himself, and not a spectator. After Garin had approached his chair to continue the debate, the official seemingly backed down, but rather than order the point to be replayed he made the bizarre call to award it to the Chilean.
The decision was greeted with derision from the crowd, and goth Garin and the umpire were heckled for the remainder of the contest. The noise levels ramped up after the match, and with a number of former players and fans immediately taking to social media to criticise the call.
On X, @TennisTV played a clip of the finale, along with the caption: “That was tasty. Cristian Garin defeats Borges 6-2 7-6 to reach the last four.” There he’ll play Polish No.2 seed Hubert Hurkacz.
Kyrgios though, didn’t appear to agree with the use of the word “tasty,” and had his own term for what went on. “No it was cheating” the divisive Australian bluntly replied.
His view was backed-up by his followers, with @TennisStan21 replying: “What a way to rob Borges of his home ATP event.” @DuarteNML added “Disgusting, at least repeat the point.”
Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka had already made his view clear, replying to a clip of the incident by writing “Disaster” along with three face-palm emojis. Tennis commentator Jose Morgado was also in disbelief, posting: “Still cannot believe this happened.”
And Garin can expect a feisty reception when he returns to the court today at the Estadio Millennium. The world No.89 is chasing his first ATP title of the season, and the sixth of his career.
