Far be it from Kyrgios to let the accusation go unchallenged, the eventual finalist came prepared with a sledge of his own when journalists asked about the incidents.
“The circus was all him today,” said Kyrgios. “I actually felt great. I feel great physically now. I’m ready to go again if I need to play again tomorrow. I just think he’s making that match about me, like he’s got some serious issues, like serious.
“I’m good in the locker room. I’ve got many friends, just to let you know. I’m actually one of the most liked. I’m set. He’s not liked. Let’s just put that there.”
Kyrgios appeared especially insulted given his historically good vibes with Tsitsipas, having played doubles in the past, and given his positive comments about his rival on court immediately after the handshake.
“He’s that soft, to come in here and say I bullied him, that’s just soft. We’re not cut from the same cloth. I go up against guys who are true competitors.
“If he’s affected by that today, then that’s what’s holding him back, because someone can just do that and that’s going to throw him off his game like that. I just think it’s soft.”
It was the match that launched 1000 thinkpieces and Twitter diatribes, making their next encounter a can’t-miss affair should it happen in 2023.