Nick Kyrgios, the fiery Australian tennis star, has once again ignited controversy, this time targeting a journalist whose remarks about billionaire Bill Ackman, a key supporter of the Novak Djokovic-led Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), sparked outrage. The journalist’s claim that Ackman “rips female tennis players for their looks” provoked a swift and scathing response from Kyrgios, who called the accusation “complete and utter nonsense.” The dispute, unfolding on social media on July 10, 2025, has reignited debates about Kyrgios’s outspoken nature and the broader tensions within tennis’s evolving landscape.
The controversy stems from Ackman’s involvement with the PTPA, a player advocacy group co-founded by Djokovic in 2019 to push for better pay and working conditions. Ackman, a hedge fund magnate and tennis enthusiast, has financially backed the PTPA and recently joined its high-profile lawsuit against the ATP, WTA, ITF, and International Tennis Integrity Agency, accusing them of running a “cartel” that restricts player earnings and enforces grueling schedules. “These lawsuits and the resulting judicial outcomes will revolutionise tennis for the players and create much greater opportunities for the most talented – regardless of their socioeconomic background – to make a living from the game,” Ackman declared, emphasizing his commitment to reform. His passion for tennis extends beyond advocacy; he’s set to partner with Kyrgios in a doubles match at a Futures event later in 2025, a collaboration born from their shared vision for the sport’s future.
The journalist’s inflammatory comment, posted on X, suggested Ackman had disparaged female players’ appearances, a claim that lacked evidence and drew immediate backlash. Kyrgios, never one to shy away from a fight, responded with characteristic bluntness: “You’re reaching so hard it’s embarrassing. Bill’s done more for tennis than you ever will. Stick to facts, not fiction.” The exchange escalated when the journalist doubled down, prompting Kyrgios to fire back, “Keep my friend’s name out of your mouth with this garbage.” Fans were quick to take sides, with some praising Kyrgios’s loyalty to Ackman, while others criticized his aggressive tone. “Nick’s just defending his mate, but he’s gotta chill with the personal attacks,” one fan posted, capturing the polarized sentiment.
Kyrgios’s defense of Ackman underscores their unique bond, forged through the PTPA and their upcoming doubles partnership. The 30-year-old Australian, who reached the 2022 Wimbledon final, has a history of doubles success, including the 2022 Australian Open title with Thanasi Kokkinakis. His decision to team up with Ackman, a 59-year-old amateur who began playing seriously a decade ago, has raised eyebrows but also excitement. “@BillAckman & I have decided we will play doubles somewhere later in the year! See if we can win a round at the futures level!!! Any ideas where we should play?” Kyrgios tweeted, sparking buzz about their unconventional pairing. Ackman, who once proposed playing doubles with Kyrgios before injuries delayed their plans, recounted how the idea took shape: “I reposted an incredible @NickKyrgios @DjokerNole doubles point, and Nick replied with an offer of a tennis lesson. I DM’d him… and he proposed that we are going to play a futures together (and win).”
The controversy highlights Kyrgios’s complex role in tennis—a talented player, polarizing commentator, and fierce advocate for change. His recent withdrawal from BBC’s Wimbledon coverage, following criticism over past behavior, and his ongoing recovery from a wrist injury have kept him in the headlines. Yet, his support for the PTPA’s mission to challenge the sport’s power structures aligns with Ackman’s vision. The lawsuit, backed by players like Vasek Pospisil and Sorana Cîrstea, claims the governing bodies impose “abusive and invasive investigations” and limit sponsorship opportunities, issues Kyrgios has publicly decried. “Tennis is broken,” PTPA executive director Ahmad Nassar stated, echoing Kyrgios’s frustration with the sport’s inequities.
As the tennis world awaits Kyrgios and Ackman’s doubles debut, this latest spat underscores the Australian’s unrelenting loyalty and penchant for controversy. Whether on the court or online, Kyrgios remains a lightning rod, unafraid to challenge critics while championing his allies. For now, his defense of Ackman has shifted focus from the PTPA’s legal battle to a broader conversation about accountability and respect in tennis, proving once again that Kyrgios thrives in the spotlight—whether it’s for his forehand or his fiery words.
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