I do what I want, says Kyrgios after breaking Wimbledon dress code


LONDON: Even on a day when his conduct on the pitch was exemplary, Nick Kyrgios couldn’t resist poking his nose at Wimbledon’s authority and all-white dress code.

The 27-year-old Australian has already received two fines at the tournament and could face another penalty after stepping out in red sneakers for his fourth-round match against Brandon Nakashima on Center Court on Monday.

He played in white shoes but switched back to red after his five-set win and also wore a red cap during his on-court interview, having donned a white one during the game.

Asked why he intentionally flouted the rule requiring players to be dressed all in white on the pitch, the Australian gave a gruff reply.

“Because I do what I want,” said Kyrgios, who is in the quarterfinals for the first time since his debut in 2014.

When asked if he felt above the rules, he added, “No, I’m not above the rules.” I just like wearing my Jordans. That’s okay. I’m going to wear a pair of triple whites tomorrow.”

Kyrgios has been fined a total of $14,000 for two offenses – spitting at a fan after his first-round win and then vowing in a fiery clash with Stefanos Tsitsipas in the third round.