RAFA RAGE
Rafael Nadal accuses Nick Kyrgios of being ‘dangerous’ after he admitted deliberately trying to hit him in Wimbledon thriller
RAFAEL NADAL accused Nick Kyrgios of being "dangerous" after the Australian deliberately targeted him with a ball.
Kyrgios admitted he smashed a forehand at the Spaniard during the third set of their Centre Court classic which Nadal won in four sets.
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And although Nadal was able to deflect it away with his racket before it hit his body, he pulled no punches about what had happend.
Nadal said: "Honestly, we are in a game that the history of this sport is about respect and is about playing fair during the whole time.
"I don't say Nick does this stuff to bother the opponent, but is true that sometimes he's dangerous.
"When he hit the ball like this, it is dangerous. It is not dangerous for me, is dangerous for a line referee, dangerous for a crowd.
"When you hit the ball like this, you don't know where the ball goes."
"I know he's a big talented player, but I am a professional player, too. I know when you hit this kind of ball, the ball can go anywhere.
"This time the ball went in, almost hit me, no problem. I am professional, so I know how to avoid this.
Nick Kyrgios does signature underarm serve against Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon 2019
Nick Kyrgios' bonkers match
1. A 143mph SECOND serve
2. Under-arm serve
3. Attempted "hot dog" lob
4. A second under-arm serve
5. Booed by Wimbledon fans
6. Sneezing fit while returning
7. Aims forehand at Nadal's head
8. Code violation for complaining to umpire
"But another one, the ball goes straight to the back. So have been dangerous moment for the line umpire. That ball hits an eye or something like this, is a problem. That's it.
"It is not about I am angry about him at all. It's about I want to play a match of tennis. Sometimes it is difficult."
Nadal beat the Australian in four sets in a pulsating clash, getting revenge for his Wimbledon defeat five years ago.
Kyrgios refused to back down afterwards, even when it was pointed out the usual etiquette is to say sorry.
He said: "Yeah, I was going for him. Yeah, I wanted to hit him square in the chest
"Why would I apologise?
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"I didn't hit him. Hit his racket, no? Why would I apologise? I won the point.
"I don't care. I mean, the dude has got how many slams, how much money in the bank account?
"I think he can take a ball to the chest, bro. I'm not going to apologise to him at all."
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