Nick Kyrgios Shocks Fans with Praise for Longtime Rival Casper Ruud
Nick Kyrgios, the fiery and often controversial Australian tennis star, has stunned the tennis world once again, but this time, it's not for his on-court antics or candid social media outbursts. Instead, Kyrgios has captured headlines for an unexpected display of admiration towards a player he once criticized openly: Casper Ruud.
At the ongoing US Open, Kyrgios took to his official social media account to express his genuine enjoyment of Ruud's performance. This marks a significant departure from his previous views on the Norwegian star, whom he once labeled as "boring." This sudden shift has left fans and commentators alike questioning whether this is a new chapter in Kyrgios' often tumultuous tennis journey.
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The history between Kyrgios and Ruud has been anything but friendly. Their rivalry reached a boiling point back in 2019 during the Rome Masters, where Kyrgios, frustrated by a call, famously threw a chair onto the court, leading to his disqualification. Ruud, who went on to win the match by default, didn't hold back in his criticism of Kyrgios, even calling for a six-month ban for the Australian’s behavior. The tension escalated as the two exchanged sharp words on social media, with Kyrgios firing back at Ruud, saying he would rather "watch paint dry" than watch him play tennis.
Fast forward to the present, and the narrative has taken a surprising turn. After Ruud's impressive victory over Gael Monfils to reach the third round of the US Open, Kyrgios publicly praised his former foe, stating, "Ruud going under the radar… how times have turned, I really enjoy watching his tennis. Real talk." This statement has left many wondering if Kyrgios, known for his unapologetic honesty, has genuinely come to appreciate Ruud's game or if this is just another chapter in their complex relationship.
It’s worth noting that Kyrgios has not played a professional match since June 2023, with his last Grand Slam appearance being at the US Open in 2022. His time away from the court has seen him take on media duties at major tournaments, perhaps giving him a new perspective on the sport and its players. This could explain his softened stance towards Ruud, as time away from the intense pressures of competition may have allowed him to reassess his views.
Kyrgios’ comments come at a time when Ruud is making headlines for his strong performance in New York, a stark contrast to his disappointing early exit from the tournament last year. Ruud himself has been candid about his desire for redemption at this year’s US Open, stating that last year’s loss "stung" and motivated him to come back stronger. His determination seems to have paid off, and now, even his former critic can't help but acknowledge the quality of his game.
As the US Open progresses, it will be interesting to see if this newfound respect between Kyrgios and Ruud will lead to a more amicable relationship or if the competitive fires will reignite once more. For now, Kyrgios' praise for Ruud has added an unexpected twist to what was once one of tennis' most heated rivalries. Only time will tell if this is the beginning of a new friendship or simply a momentary truce in the ever-dramatic world of tennis.
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