US Open 2019: Nick Kyrgios backtracks over 'corrupt ATP' claims

Yahoo Sports Staff
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 27: Nick Kyrgios of Australia walks on court after a change of ends during his match against Steve Johnson of the United States in the first round of the US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 27, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by TPN/Getty Images)
Kyrgios of Australia in his first round match (Photo by TPN/Getty Images)

Nick Kyrgios has backtracked and admitted he didn't 'use the correct choice of words' when suggesting the ATP Tour was 'corrupt'.

The controversial Australian made the comment following his first round win over Steve Johnson at the US Open – a match that saw world number 30 Kyrgios

in a heated argument with the umpire while his opponent told him to play 'f****** tennis'.

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In his post match press conference, Kyrgios appeared irate when quizzed about a £92,850 fine for his on court behaviour at the Cincinnati Masters and he made a corruption allegation against tennis' governing body.

When asked whether the fine bothered him Kyrgios originally responded: "Not at all. The ATP is pretty corrupt anyway, so I'm not fussed about it at all."

But the 24-year-old took to Twitter yesterday to clear up his comments.

A statement read: "I would like to go on record to clarify my comment around the ATP being corrupt, it was not the correct choice of words and my point and intention was to address what I see as double standards rather than corruption.

"I know my behaviour at times has been controversial and that has landed me in trouble, which at times is granted and valid but my issue is around others whether gaining the same, less or more media attention doing the same or similar behaviour and not being sanctioned.

"That's my issue and it continues to be.

"To be clear I know I'm not perfect and do not pretend to be and I acknowledge I've deserved fines and sanctioning at times but I expect consistency and fairness with this across the board, to date that's not happened.

"I've had huge support from Chris Kermode and have given it in return, so I want to clarify my comments but stand by my beliefs and sentiment around double standards."

A fan reacted by tweeting: "what about spitting in the towel before throwing into the crowd?"

The tweet was accompanied by a video which seemed to show Kyrgios spit into his towel before tossing it into the crowd.

Kyrgios is back in second round action later today at Flushing Meadows against Antoine Hoang.

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