Kyrgios: Kneeling is Family Tribute, Not Trump Protest
<![CDATA[Aussie No. 1 kneels in family honor and not in protest of President Donald Trump.]]>
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.Watch: Europe Wins Laver CupSome 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?”(🎥@LaverCup ) pic.twitter.com/ytE9EBxiDN
— doublefault28 (@doublefault28) September 24, 2017
Chris Oddo. Chris Oddo is a freelance sportswriter, podcaster, blogger and social media marker who is a lead contributor to Tennisnow.com. He also writes for USOpen.org, Rolandgarros.com, BNPParibasOpen.com, TennisTV.com, WTAtennis.com and the official US Open program.
① Stay in the loop
Get Tennis Now in your inbox
Daily match reports, interviews and Tennis Now TV — free, every morning.
