Tennis fans furious over Nick Kyrgios’ reaction to Federer’s retirement speech

Australian tennis superstar Nick Kyrgios is courting controversy once again, in this instance, with an ill-timed social media post about Roger Federer’s emotional retirement speech.

Federer called time on his stellar competitive sporting career in an emotional farewell at London’s O2 Arena after competing alongside Rafael Nadal in his final match on Saturday, September 24.

Emotions ran high in his final post-match interview as Federer fought back tears to thank his family, supporters, and his teammates.

“It’s been perfect journey, I would do it all over again,” Federer said.

“It’s been so much fun.

“It’s been amazing. Thank you, everybody. I’ve had so many people cheer me on. And you guys here tonight, it means the world.

“I enjoyed tying my shoes one more time. Everything was the last time. And funny enough, with all the matches and having the guys being here – fans, family, friends – I didn’t feel the stress so much, even though I did think I’d pop a calf, or block a back or something in the match.

“So I am so happy I made it through. The match was great. I couldn’t be happier. It’s been wonderful. And of course, playing with Rafa on the same team and having the guys – everybody here, all the legends – Rocket, Edberg, Stefan, thank you.

“It does feel like a celebration to me. I wanted it to feel like this at the end and it’s exactly what I hoped for. So thank you.”

If there's one thing you watch today, make it this.#LaverCup | @rogerfederer pic.twitter.com/Ks9JqEeR6B

— Laver Cup (@LaverCup) September 23, 2022

As the tennis community and fans across the globe bid an emotional goodbye to the 20-time Grand Slam winner, Kyrgios instead chose to poke fun at his longtime rival Novak Djokovic.

“Novak knows his chance for slams is better now. Rafa is shattered,” Kyrgios wrote, alongside a moving image of a tearful Rafael Nadal and a smiling Djokovic as Federer delivered his emotional retirement speech.

Fans across the globe were quick to chastise Kyrgios for his seemingly insensitive post, with one social media user claiming the tennis star “has the maturity level of a middle schooler”.

Even for someone like Nick Kyrgios, this is going out of your way to be a blithering dickhead pic.twitter.com/tf0cSEqnaV

— Srihari (@srihariravi12) September 24, 2022

Why is Nick Kyrgios like this? ???? https://t.co/f8ksN3OBvG

— Mariette Adams (@MarietteAdams_) September 24, 2022

Kyrgios has the maturity level of a middle schooler.

— Tennis Strategist (@tenniszealot1) September 24, 2022

I’m hoping, and I think, it was just a joke that came out bad. He saw the contrast between Djok’s smile and Rafa’s tears and played on that. He should have avoided it and just congratulate Fed.

— Hank (@screetsie) September 24, 2022

The new low from him

— Shaff????in shambles (@OmnipotentBi) September 24, 2022

Idiot. pic.twitter.com/Ofk0iQkDxc

— Jodie Ann 1️⃣4️⃣???????????? 2️⃣2️⃣ ???????????? (@VamosRafa84) September 24, 2022

Federer no doubt left fans in a state of shock when he announced his retirement on Friday, September 16, citing injuries and surgeries as contributing to his decision to end his competitive career.

To my tennis family and beyond,

With Love,
Roger pic.twitter.com/1UISwK1NIN

— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) September 15, 2022

“To my tennis family and beyond,” the Swiss player said in his retirement announcement.

“Of all the gifts that tennis has given me over the years, the greatest, without a doubt, has been the people I’ve met along the way: my friends, my competitors, and most of all the fans who give the sport its life. Today I want to share some news with all of you.

“As many of you know, the past three years have presented me with challenges in the form of injuries and surgeries. I’ve worked hard to return to full competitive form. But I also know my body’s capacities and limits, and its message to me lately has been clear. I am 41 years old. I have played more than 1500 matches over 24 years. Tennis has treated me more generously than I ever would have dreamt, and now I must recognize when it is time to end my competitive career.

“The Laver Cup next week in London will be my final ATP event. I will play more tennis in the future, of course, but just not in Grand Slams or on the tour.

“This is a bittersweet decision, because I will miss everything the tour has given me. But at the same time, there is so much to celebrate. I consider myself one of the most fortunate people on Earth. I was given a special talent to play tennis, and I did it at a level that I never imagined, for much longer than I ever thought possible.”