Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios may have defied expectations to make it to the 2022 Wimbledon finals but it’s his “final act of defiance” during the tournament’s trophy ceremony that really got the tennis world talking.

Kyrgios missed out on winning his first grand slam title after losing to Novak Djokovic in four sets during the Wimbledon men’s final at Centre Court on Sunday, July 10.

In the highly anticipated final showdown, Djokovic recorded a 4-6 6-3 6-4 7-6(3) victory over Kyrgios at the All England Club. Sunday’s win continues Djokovic’s winning streak at the club to 28 matches, with his recent victory marking the first time he was won four consecutive titles at the tournament.

Kyrgios came out strong in the opening set, striking 14 winners and only four unforced errors.

However, an unshakeable Djokovic turned the tide in the second set, racing to a 4-1 advantage in the fourth game. Djokovic was able to further his lead and take control of the match from a distracted and frustrated Kyrgios, holding a two-set-to-love lead in the third set.

A composed Kyrgios secured a fourth-set tie but in the end, could do little to prevent Djokovic from securing his seventh career Wimbledon title.

Although the Wimbledon crowd commended Kyrgios for his efforts during the match, the wider tennis world condemned the world No. 45 for his decision to wear a red cap during the trophy ceremony which is a breach of Wimbledon’s all-white dress code.

Following the hard-fought match, Kyrgios took a seat courtside and switched his white cap for a red one before receiving the runner-up trophy from the Duchess of Cambridge.

The Daily Mail’s tennis correspondent Mike Dickson called Kyrgios’ choice of attire “a final act of defiance”.

Journalist and tennis commentator José Morgado acknowledged the red cap, hinting at a “big fine coming” for Kyrgios.

Digital Editor for Sunday World Magazine tweeted that Kyrgios “simply doesn’t care”.

Commentators weren’t the only ones to weigh in on Kyrgios’ choice to defy tradition with many fans showing zero love for the Australian tennis star.

For all those making a ‘racquet’ over Kyrgios’ red hat, there were just as many who supported his decision, with one commentator pointing out that tennis history is filled with players breaching Wimbledon’s all-white dress code.

Other commentators simply chose to take a lighter approach to the controversy and serve up their own brand of humour in response.