Jannik Sinner kisses Anna Kalinskaya at US Open after Nick Kyrgios comment
Jannik Sinner sealed his U.S. Open victory with a kiss and many are trying to throw the special moment in Nick Kyrgios’ face.
The world No. 1 outshined American Taylor Fritz in straight sets as he became the first Italian male to win the slam in tennis’ Open era.
Sinner’s victory was shrouded in controversy as he entered the tournament just weeks after a doping violation was made public.
It was confirmed last month Sinner had twice tested positive to a banned substance earlier this year, but was allowed to continue playing.
Kyrgios has been Sinner’s most vocal critic and has called for Sinner to serve a doping suspension.
That situation exploded on Saturday when Kyrgios appeared to make a “misogynistic” comment surrounding Sinner’s girlfriend, Anna Kalinskaya.
The Russian and Kyrgios dated before the pair ended their relationship in 2020.
Kalinskaya, the world No. 15 player on the WTA rankings, started dating Sinner earlier this year and has been seen in his box for his recent U.S. Open matches.
During a series of tweet exchanges with Sinner fans, one X user tagged Kyrgios in a photo that showed the 29-year-old with Kalinskaya at an NBA game four years ago.
“Second serve,” Kyrgios replied.
Kyrgios has not elaborated on his comment and has since deleted the tweet, however, many have been angered and have described the comment as “disgusting” and “misogynistic.”
It’s why the scene of Sinner celebrating his tournament victory, world No. 1 status and $3.6 million prize money by kissing Kalinskaya has caused many to poke fun of the Aussie.
Kalinskaya was sitting in Sinner’s player’s box and was greeted with a kiss after he had been mobbed by other members of his team in a wild group hug.
Sinner fans threw shade at Kyrgios, who is out injured and working the tournament for ESPN as an analyst, suggesting the Australian would be jealous of the moment Sinner was enjoying inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.
“Kyrgios was found dead,” another X commenter wrote.
Plenty of others just shared their happiness at seeing Kalinskaya and Sinner enjoy a special moment after a tumultuous 48 hours.
Sinner was notably subdued in his celebrations until he was finally able to reach his supporter’s box after a long walk directed by security staff.
Showing respect to his American opponent, Sinner put his arms in the air but showed little emotion even after shaking hands with Fritz.
“This title means so much,” said Sinner, who arrived in New York under a cloud. “The last period of my career has not been easy but I have my team and family who support me.
“I love tennis but off the court, there is a life also and I want to dedicate this trophy to my aunt because she is not well and I don’t know how much longer I will have her in my life. She was a very important part of my life and still is. It’s nice to share this with her.”
Fritz, ranked No. 12 in the world, was bidding to be the first American man since Andy Roddick in New York in 2003 to win a major.
He was backed by A-list celebrity support amongst the 23,000-strong crowd inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Pop queen Taylor Swift watched alongside boyfriend and NFL star Travis Kelce while Oscar-winning actor Matthew McConaughey was hard to miss as he donned a Stars and Stripes headband.
Fritz looked devastated after congratulating Sinner at the net and slumped into a chair and hung his head into his own lap as Sinner thanked the crowd.
Fritz needed a moment to compose himself in his post-match on-court interview during the trophy presentation ceremony.
“Being an American at the U.S. Open is just incredible,” he said.
“I’ve been feeling the love all week. Thank you so much. I know we’ve been waiting for a champion for a long time so I’m sorry I couldn’t get it done this time, but I’m gonna keep working and hopefully I’ll get it the next time.”
Meanwhile, ESPN has been put under pressure to leave Kyrgios off its future tennis commentary teams.
There were calls on Sunday for Kyrgios to be dropped from the TV broadcast, but the Australian still featured.
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