Nick Kyrgios praises fans smearing Vegemite and Nutella on their faces in support of Wimbledon star

The Australian tennis player is through to the fourth round at Wimbledon

Simon Rice
Monday 06 July 2015 16:28 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Nick Kyrgios is a divisive tennis player, winning and losing fans in seemingly equal measure with his expletive ridden on-court rants, unpredictable petulance (which on Friday saw his racket go flying into the crowd) and uncompromising press conferences.

But by reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon, in which he will play Richard Gasquet on Monday, the Australian is beginning to back up his sometimes arrogant attitude with the skill to warrant it.

But just as the 20-year-old wins over some of the haters and begins to be taken more seriously, some of his supporters appear to have lost the plot.

Nick Kyrgios
Nick Kyrgios (GETTY IMAGES)

Mitchell McConachy wrote to Kyrgios on Facebook: "If you reply to this I'll cover my face in Vegemite".

The big serving Aussie did and was soon responding to the picture: "This is so awesome - thanks so much for the support dude... Doesn't get more Australian than support of your locals and a face full of Vegemite."

FACEBOOK
FACEBOOK (FACEBOOK)

I get some pretty awesome support messages from my fans every day, but this one seriously is up there. Loyal support from home! #AustralianFans #Vegemite

Posted by Nick Kyrgios on Saturday, July 4, 2015

It seems to have started something of a trend. Another fan spread Nutella over her face.

And then a whole family did it.

FACEBOOK
FACEBOOK (FACEBOOK)

However, some were critical of Krygios — who was born to a Greek father and a Malaysian mother — claiming the gesture was racist and blackface.

Kyrgios' match against 21st seed Gasquet is on Court 2 and will start at 11.30am. Those taking part in the smearing-sandwich-fillers-on-face trend will be hoping their hero doesn't get into a jam.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in