Tennis star and Wimbledon 2022 runner-up Nick Kyrgios is being sued over an incident that took place during his championship match against Novak Djokovic. Amid his matchup with Djokovic, Kyrgios stopped to call out a member of the audience who he alleged was distracting him. The fan was removed from the stands, and is now retaliating with legal action against Kyrgios with a defamation lawsuit, according to TMZ.

The fan in question, Anna Palus, alleges that her family has suffered “very substantial damage and distress” as a result of Kyrgios' comments. Palus released a statement via Brett Wilson LLP, in which she detailed her accusations against Kyrgios.

“During the course of the final, Nick Kyrgios made a reckless and entirely baseless allegation against me,” Palus said in the statement. “Not only did this cause considerable harm on the day, resulting in my temporary removal from the arena, but Mr. Kyrgios’s false allegation was broadcast to, and read by, millions around the world.”

Article Continues Below
More Tennis News
Coco Gauff of the United States poses with the trophy after winning the women’s singles final against Aryna Sabalenka on day 14 at Roland Garros Stadium.
Coco Gauff’s stunned reaction to winning first-ever French Open titleQuinn Allen ·
Novak Djokovic of Serbia says goodbye to the spectators and the clay after losing his match against Jannik Sinner of Italy on day 13 at Roland Garros Stadium.
Novak Djokovic sends heartfelt French Open message after semifinal exitQuinn Allen ¡
Jannik Sinner of Italy at the net with Novak Djokovic of Serbia after their match on day 13 at Roland Garros Stadium.
Jannik Sinner declares Novak Djokovic the GOAT after French Open semifinalTroy Finnegan ¡
Novak Djokovic of Serbia says goodbye to the spectators and the clay after losing his match against Jannik Sinner of Italy on day 13 at Roland Garros Stadium.
Novak Djokovic hints at retirement after French Open loss to Jannik SinnerTroy Finnegan ¡
Jannik Sinner of Italy celebrates winning his match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia on day 13 at Roland Garros Stadium.
Tennis fans buzzing after Jannik Sinner sets up electric final vs Carlos Alcaraz following Novak Djokovic winMalik Brown ¡
Featured image Coco Gauff
Coco Gauff sets up Roland-Garros final showdown with No. 1 Aryna SabalenkaDylan Fine ¡

Palus went on to say that she is pursuing legal action against Kyrgios in order to “obtain vindication” and to “prevent repetition of the allegation.”

“I hope that Mr. Kyrgios will reflect on the harm he has caused me and my family and offer a prompt resolution to this matter. However, if he is unwilling to do this, I am committed to obtaining vindication in the High Court,” Palus said in the concluding part of her statement.

Kyrgios enjoyed an incredible run in order to reach the final at Wimbledon, but ultimately lost in four sets to Djokovic. During the match, Kyrgios could be heard complaining to one of the officials about a fan in the audience who was “drunk out of her mind,” also adding that “she's the one who looks like she's had 700 drinks.”

Kyrgios currently ranks as the No. 26 tennis player on the ATP Tour rankings.