Nick Kyrgios was likened to Donald Trump in his Australian Open match. (Image: Getty.)
has been compared to both United States President-elect and MMA star by a body language expert, over his attitude at the .
Former finalist Kyrgios was making a first appearance at his home Grand Slam since 2022 after a series of long-term injuries, but .
Fearnley, 23, cruised to a 7-6(3) 6-3 7-6(2) victory and Kyrgios cut a frustrated figure throughout the contest. He repeatedly vented to his own box and by the Aussie.
Body language expert Darren Stanton has described Kyrgios in that match as “self-loathing” while comparing him to both Trump and McGregor.
“Nick Kyrgios flashed disgust when losing the first set,” Stanton told OLBG. “He knew he wasn’t performing to his best and he knew he was in trouble at that stage of the match.
“He’s blaming the crowd and the noise from spectators but there’s always going to be noise. He’s a professional and he knows what the crack is. Where he’s talking to his coaching staff, he flashes disgust and anger.
“He points his chin up to his team with his head back, it’s a billygoat gesture. It’s a gesture that you see from Conor McGregor where he’s trying to intimidate and undermine his opponent.
“Generally, it’s a primeval gesture of anger where people show their chin and bring their head back as a sign of arrogance and dominance. It’s a fighting gesture.”
Nick Kyrgios venting his frustrations on court. (Image: Getty)
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Kyrgios was then accused of mimicking a body language tactic used by Trump in order to emphasise his importance on the court, or for the politician on stage.
“We also see that Kyrgios is occupying space,” Stanton explained. “The more space we occupy, the more important we are. does this a lot too. Kyrgios has his hands on hips, his feet spread apart and he’s saying ‘look at me, I’m the most important person here’.
“Kyrgios is self-loathing, he’s angry at himself and he’s blaming the crowd for the noise in his early exit at the .”
However, it could be the last time that Kyrgios makes such gestures in a singles competition at Melbourne Park.
He at the , having gone down to Fearnley despite a boisterous crowd cheering him on.
“Realistically I can’t really see myself probably playing singles again here, so it was special,” Kyrgios said. “Like taking that in, it was pretty good.
“I didn’t want to just throw in the towel and walk off or retire. I was hurting physically. I respect my opponent. The fans waited hours to come see me play. Realistically I can’t see myself playing a singles match here again.”