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Nick Kyrgios’ girlfriend Chiara Passari couldn’t inspire her man to victory at the Australian Open but will be on hand to help him pick up the pieces after a tough five-set defeat against Dominic Thiem on Friday night.
Passari posted a photograph of herself flying to Melbourne ahead of Kyrgios’ third round match and was spotted watching him inside John Cain Arena as he coughed up a two-set lead against the world number three.
Kyrgios was philosophical after the defeat and it may have had something to do with the presence of Passari, who he admitted to missing badly in the early rounds of the tournament.
“I know I absolutely left it all out there and I’m not taking any shame in losing in five sets to the Australian Open finalist and US Open champion,” Kyrgios said.
“I know I’ve got a great support team around me. My best friends are there after I lose the match saying ‘good job’. My girlfriend flew in to watch me play. I’m extremely lucky.
“I’m not upset at all. I’m actually not disappointed that I lost. I’m coming to come with my head held high tomorrow (Saturday) and play some doubles and see what tennis I’ll play this year.
“If I continue to play like that I’m sure the results will follow.”
Kyrgios’ relationship appears rock solid after a week of eye-catching social media activity sparked rumours he’d broken up with Passari.
Kyrgios appeared to delete all but one image of Passari on his Instagram after she posted a cryptic message about “cheaters” this week.
Passari didn’t mention any names or reference the Aussie tennis star in her post, which was uploaded to her Instagram story.
“Cheaters always want you to be loyal while they’re being unfaithful,” it read.
Passari added the caption “It keeps getting better y’all”, with several upside down smiling emojis.
But Kyrgios indicated they were on track by writing messages like “Miss u Chizzel” on the camera lens after his matches and dispelled any doubt about their relationship status when he referred to his “amazing girlfriend” when asked a question about his perspective on tennis after one match.
Melbourne’s latest COVID scare created chaos at Melbourne Park on Friday night as fans were evicted midway through the fourth set of Novak Djokovic’s match at 11.30pm to comply with Victoria’s five-day lockdown.
Professional athletes are deemed “essential workers” so the grand slam can continue, but only behind closed doors.
Tournament director Craig Tiley told reporters that players, their support staff and essential personnel will still be allowed on site as stars compete in a bubble format until Wednesday.
This means players will only be allowed to travel between Melbourne Park and their accommodation.
The Australian Open released a statement on Friday afternoon saying: “Tennis Australia continues to work with the government to ensure the healthy and safety of everyone.
“We are notifying ticketholders, players and staff that there will be no fans onsite at the AO for five days, commencing from Saturday 13 February.
“Full refunds will be available for anyone who has tickets for these sessions and they will be advised on how to apply as soon as possible.”
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