TAKE THE NICK
Nick Kyrgios reveals brilliant reason why he refuses to wear suit and tie at Wimbledon live on TV for BBC commentary
Kyrgios gives hint he could bring out the formal wear for one special occasion
NICK KYRGIOS has never been one to conform to the norms.
And his choices of clobber at Wimbledon are no different.
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The controversial Aussie, 29, had BBC TV viewers in stitches when he wore a massive Stone Island puffer coat and cap beside Centre Court for his punditry duties - in the middle of British summertime.
And he even wore a Boston Celtics hoody on set following his beloved basketball team's heroic NBA Championship win last month.
The casual look is a stark contrast from the more formal attire of his Wimbledon BBC colleagues - including suited-and-booted Tim Henman and John McEnroe.
With improved weather after a wet and dreary Wimbledon Championships, commentator Nick Mullins cheekily referenced the infamous jacket.
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But Kyrgios - who is set to return from secret wrist surgery next month - gave a very plausible and considered explanation behind his on-screen outfits at Wimbledon.
Mullins said: "One or two threatening clouds but nothing significant and the roof is open and it feels almost summer-ish.
"Nick has not got his big puffer jacket on which is always a sign of our climate."
But a laughing Kyrgios on co-commentary replied: "No, that’s just style.
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"We gotta try and appeal to the younger fans, you know?
"They’ll understand where I’m going with that."
Nick Kyrgios had secret surgery to prevent arthritis now he is practising with Djokovic at Wimbledon before comeback
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Mullins asked: "What’s wrong with a collar and tie?"
And Kyrgios added: "No, I love it. I don’t mind a bit of old school too but need to find that balance in this sport."
Kyrgios was also quizzed on his gear by McEnroe.
The outspoken three-time Wimbledon champ sarcastically quipped: "You're so dressed up.
"Give me a break he's cold come on. When are you going to step up and get dressed up? You're a good-looking guy. You are.
"When are you going to dress up and wear a suit?"
And Kyrgios finally relented and conceded: "Sometimes, maybe for the final, let's see."
The BBC were forced to defend their decision to employ Kyrgios, who escaped a criminal record despite admitting to assaulting his ex-girlfriend.
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The 2022 runner-up, though, has added plenty of enthusiasm and energy to the BBC commentary team, weighing in on Taylor Fritz's "have a nice flight home" drama.
However, he caused a stir by slamming Andrew Castle for his commentary - soon before joining him on air.
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Tennis stars’ new careers
PLENTY of tennis stars have stayed involved in the sport since retiring.
But others pursued very different careers. Here are some of the best…
- I reached French Open and Wimbledon finals as a teenager but I quit to become a nun
- I won Wimbledon mixed doubles with my sister but got fed up with English weather so now run luxury B&B
- I was tipped for stardom aged 12 but retrained to become high-flying lawyer
- I earned £9m and won French Open before setting up bistro with Brazilian model girlfriend
- I’m last Frenchman to win Roland Garros, now I’m singer with six albums hitting No1 in charts
- I'm former world No1 but quit aged 29 - instead I went on to play professional poker and golf
- I was destined for the top but swapped lobs for labs as award-winning Harvard physicist
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