Dylan Bettencourt
A fan whom Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios said looked “like she has had about 700 drinks” has taken legal action for possible defamation.
During his Wimbledon final loss to Novak Djokovic, the Australian tennis player said a member of the crowd who was “drunk out of her mind” was speaking to him during points.
The spectator Anna Palus is now threatening to begin defamation proceedings against Kyrgios accusing him of a reckless and entirely baseless allegation.
“Not only did this cause considerable harm on the day, resulting in my temporary removal from the arena, but Mr Kyrgios’ false allegation was broadcast to and read by millions around the world causing me and my family substantial damage and distress,” Palus said in a statement.
Kyrgios, who reached his first Grand Slam final, complained to the umpire that a supporter was distracting him.
“She is distracting me when I am serving in a Wimbledon final. She is drunk out of her mind in the first row,” he said.
“I know which one she is, it’s the one who looks like she has had about 700 drinks. She is talking to me in the middle of the point every time I get the ball.”
Palus, who attended the prestigious event with her mother, said she isn’t one who easily goes to court.
“But I have no alternative but to instruct my solicitors to bring defamation proceedings against Mr Kyrgios in order to clear my name,” she said.
“The need to obtain vindication and to prevent repetition of the allegation are the only reasons for taking legal action. Any damages recovered will be donated to charity.”
World number 26 Kyrgios is set for another legal battle in October when his trial for alleged assault on his ex-girlfriend begins.
The in-form tennis star is preparing to play in the final Grand Slam of the year, the US Open in New York which is scheduled to get underway next week.
Image source: @PA
