Nick Kyrgios’ kneeling was a personal tribute and not a political gesture.
When Kyrgios kneeled on court before his gripping Laver Cup clash with Roger Federer, some interpreted the gesture as a show of solidarity with NFL players.
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Some NFL players took a knee during the national anthem on Sunday in response to President Donald Trump saying pro football players should be fired for protests during the anthem.
Kyrgios said he kneels to honor his beloved grandparents, who both passed away.
“I’m doing that before most matches just to remember, you know, the two most important people that have passed away,” Kyrgios told AFP. “I just take a knee to remember those before I go out there and play.”
Asked directly if his gesture was related to American athletes’ protests of Trump’s comments, a surprised Kyrgios replied: “F—k no. Serious? What?”
In an essay he wrote for The Players Voice, Kyrgios revealed the death of his grandmother two years ago took a heavy emotional toll.
"If I'm honest, I’d say I haven’t committed to tennis the way the game needs me to since she died," Kyrgios wrote.
He was also struck hard by the death of his grandfather, Cristos Kyrgios, who died in April.Kyrgios posted a stirring tribute to his grandfather on Facebook shortly after his passing.
Photo credit: Nick Kyrgios Instagram