Tennis star Nick Kyrgios settles legal case with Wimbledon spectator

The spectator accused by Nick Kyrgios of having “about 700 drinks” during this year’s Wimbledon final has resolved a legal case with the Australian.

Kyrgios had complained to the umpire about the behaviour of Anna Palus during his four-set defeat by Novak Djokovic on Centre Court.

Having just received a code violation for swearing, after a spectator called out before his second serve, Kyrgios implored umpire Renaud Lichtenstein to have the woman “who looks like she’s had about 700 drinks bro” ejected.

In a statement released via Knight Temple Law, which represented Palus, Kyrgios apologised for his comments, adding he had made a significant donation to charity as he looked to “make amends”.

Kyrgios said: “On 10 July 2022, during the Wimbledon men’s final, I told the umpire that a fan, who I now know to be Anna Palus, was distracting me during the match, believing that she was drunk.

“I accept that belief was mistaken, and I apologise. To make amends, I have donated £20,000 to the Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, a charity chosen by Ms Palus. I will not be commenting on this matter again.”

Kyrgios’ surprise run to his first grand slam final was littered with controversy, featuring run-ins with umpires, line judges, the media as well as spectators.