Anna Palus stated that the 27-year-old Australian defamed her by making “a reckless and completely unfounded charge” and initiated legal proceedings in August.
Nick Kyrgios has apologized to a fan he accused of being “drunk out of her mind” following his loss in the Wimbledon final this year.
The outspoken tennis player protested to the umpire during his July match against Novak Djokovic that a spectator was talking to him during points.
He was sued for slander after commenting that Anna Palus “looks like she’s had around 700 beers.”
When asked by the umpire to identify the fan, Kyrgios replied, “She’s the one in the dress who looks like she’s had like 700 beers, buddy!”
This year, the Australian’s road to the Wimbledon final was riddled with controversy, including confrontations with umpires, line judges, opponents, the media, and spectators.
According to court testimony, Kyrgios is currently attempting to have an assault allegation dismissed based on his mental health.
Ms. Palus stated that the 27-year-old Australian had defamed her by making “a reckless and utterly unfounded charge,” and she initiated legal action in August, adding that any damages she receives will be donated to charity.
Kyrgios issued an apology in a statement to British media supplied by Knight Temple Law, which represented Palus.
“I told the umpire that a fan, who I now know to be Anna Palus, was distracting me during the match because I believed she was inebriated,” Kyrgios added in his statement.
“I acknowledge that I was misguided in my belief, and I apologize.
“To make apologies, I have donated £20,000 to the Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, a cause selected by Ms. Palus. I shall make no further remarks on this topic.”
After years of underachievement, Kyrgios has a tremendous run of form in the second half of 2022, winning the Washington title and reaching his first Grand Slam singles final at Wimbledon and the US Open quarterfinals.
