IN THE NICK
‘We can’t mention that’ snaps Nick Kyrgios as he shuts down commentator Andrew Castle live on BBC in Wimbledon coverage
BBC forced to defend decision to employ controversial star
NICK KYRGIOS shut down his co-commentator live on the BBC at Wimbledon - because he brought up a touchy subject about his legal affairs.
The controversial Aussie, 29, is sitting out of this year's Championships as he continues his recovery from wrist surgery.
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However, he continues to make his mark at the All England Club as a commentator.
But Kyrgios was dropped in a spot of bother by commentator Andrew Castle as they called Jack Draper's shock straight-sets defeat to fellow Brit Cameron Norrie on Thursday.
Castle brought up the incident in the 2022 final when Kyrgios demanded a fan was ejected from the Centre Court crowd and claimed she had consumed "700 drinks" as she talked to him during the match with Novak Djokovic.
However, Polish lawyer Ania Palus only had one Pimm's and one rosé - and then duly sued Kyrgios for defamation to clear her name.
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That led to a settlement in which Kyrgios apologised and donated £20,000 to the Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, chosen by Palus.
So when Castle referenced the Centre Court spat on BBC One, Kyrgios immediately put a stop to the conversation.
Castle said: "Draper is a bit irritated by someone. Maybe they've had 500 beers, mate?"
Kyrgios replied: "Aww, no! We can't mention that, I'll get in trouble!"
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Castle then asked: "Since when do you try to avoid that? Turning over a new leaf? Being a good boy?"
And the Aussie laughed: "Yeah, you're not wrong. I'm trying to find the balance."
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Kyrgios - who is also working for ESPN this fortnight - was set for an awkward reunion as Castle's BBC colleague even before sharing a commentary box.
That is because the Aussie publicly moaned about Castle's commentary during last year's Wimbledon, writing on X: "Whoever is the clown next to Woodbridge in that commentator box needs to just not speak 😂 spoiling the match big time."
Kyrgios' spat with the fan is not his only legal issue of recent years.
He pleaded guilty to assaulting ex-girlfriend Chiara Passari in 2021, pushing her to the pavement during an argument.
Kyrgios was spared a criminal record when the offence was dismissed.
However, MP Caroline Nokes slammed the BBC's decision to employ Kyrgios for Wimbledon, calling it a "disgrace".
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She said: "The BBC should hang its head in shame at this appointment.
"It's a disgrace and shows the utter contempt our national broadcaster has towards women."
The BBC then defended their decision, releasing a statement that said: "As a current and high-profile player, Nick Kyrgios will provide insight and analysis of the action on the court from his experience in the game.
"We are in no way condoning his cited previous actions or behaviours, on and off the court, and he is employed to share his views on tennis only.
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"The legal process he was involved in has concluded, is well documented, and he has spoken about it publicly."
The BBC were also criticised by tennis fans during Thursday's Wimbledon coverage when they managed to show Katie Boulter's Battle of Britain defeat to Harriet Dart on both BBC One and BBC Two at the same time - with Novak Djokovic not on terrestrial TV.
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