Kyrgios delivers shoes to Tsitsipas, takes coaching advice from audience and wins over fans at Citi Open

Nick Kyrgios hasn't particularly been in the good books of tennis fans since he turned pro in 2013. While his talents have helped him put on rousing displays on the court, the Australian's temper tantrums and verbal spats with fellow players on and off the court have gained more traction in recent times.

However, Kyrgios' gracious show at the Citi Open won him fans aplently at the Rock Creek Park Tennis Center in Washington D.C on Saturday.

Playing in the men's singles semifinal against Stefanos Tsitsipas, Kyrgios turned towards one of the members of the audience to ask where he should serve for his match point. The advice worked as the 24-year old slammed his serve onto Tsitsipas' backhand corner and then smacked a forehand winner to book his spot in the final.

He raced back to the visibly delighted fan and thanked him with a hi-five and a handshake.

 

During the course of the match, Tsitsipas seemed to have damaged his shoes and did not have a spare pair in his kit. Spotting his opponent's inconvenience, Kyrgios delivered shoes to Tsitsipas in the wildly entertaining contest in front of a sell-out crowd.

He collected a pair from Tsitsipas' team in the audience and presented them to Tsitsipas by going down on one knee, as if serving royalty. The Washington crowd roared in approval, while Tsitsipas smiled back at Kyrgios, thanking him.

 

Kyrgios was at his cheerful best as he went around fist bumping the audience by the court side after winning a point in the second set.

 

Five days ago, Kyrgios and Tsitsipas paired up for a exhibition doubles match, where they lost to Wimbledon-winning doubles pair Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah.