One of Australia’s top tennis stars today, Nick Kyrgios, made a surprise opening round exit at the ATP Masters 1000 Rogers Cup tournament in Toronto this week. The 19th-ranked star was defeated by Canada’s own Denis Shapovalov in three sets 7-6, 3-6, 6-3. Fans were quick to notice that the defeat may have something to do with the Australian being hooked on playing Pokemon Go.
To be fair, Shapovalov is not an easy opponent. The Canadian was fresh from a Wimbledon boys title a few weeks ago after defeating Alex De Minaur of Australia and was granted a wild card in Toronto plus he does get the homecrowd support.
Social media fans were quick to notice that Kyrgios has been playing Pokemon Go the past few days and even tweeted about it.
Eat, sleep, Pokemon Go
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) July 25, 2016
Even the official Twitter account of Rogers Cup caught on.
@NickKyrgios Centre Court is ready for you. pic.twitter.com/2eSx7Arh5C
— Rogers Cup Toronto (@rogerscup) July 24, 2016
“I’m not going to tell you what I did or didn’t do to prepare. I just played pretty bad,” Kyrgios said.
The Australian credited Shapovalov, ranked 370th in the world, for playing a great match. Shapovalov produced 12 aces while Kyrgios noticeably served 18 double faults.
“He played great and he earned it. Obviously he was excited playing in front of his home crowd.
“I know what it feels like to come off one of your biggest junior results and then play in one of your home tournaments.”
