Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios has apologised to a fan he accused of being “drunk out of her mind” at Wimbledon and has settled the defamation case brought against him.
He agreed to pay £20,000 to a charity of Anna Palus’ choosing.
Kyrgios, well known for his outbursts, complained to the umpire during the Wimbledon final against Novak Djokovic in July, saying the fan had been talking to him during points.
Asked by the umpire to identify the fan, Kyrgios said: “The one with the dress, the one who looks like she’s had about 700 drinks, bro!”
Anna Palus said that the 27-year-old Australian had defamed her by making “a reckless and entirely baseless allegation” and began legal action in August, adding any damages she wins would be donated to charity.
Kyrgios apologised in a statement released to British media by Knight Temple Law, which represented Ms Palus.
“I told the umpire that a fan, who I now know to be Anna Palus, was distracting me during the match, believing that she was drunk,” Kyrgios said in the statement.
“I accept that belief was mistaken, and I apologise.
“To make amends, I have donated 20,000 pounds to the Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, a charity chosen by Ms Palus. I will not be commenting on this matter again.”
Kyrgios is also facing an assault charge from a former partner.
The current world number 20 faces two years in prison if found guilty of the common assault charge in relation to an incident involving an ex-girlfriend in January 2021.
Kyrgios’ lawyers are expected to apply to have the charge dismissed under a section of the local crimes law.
This year Kyrgios reached his first Grand Slam singles final at Wimbledon and the US Open quarter-finals.
