Kyrgios alleges mental health problems to dismiss abuse accusation

Sydney, Australia, Oct 4 (EFE).- The legal representatives of tennis player Nick Kyrgios said Tuesday before an Australian court that the athlete suffers from mental health problems with the aim of dismissing charges of mistreatment filed against him.

The 27-year-old player was charged in July with a common assault charge for allegedly mistreating Chiara Passari – his ex-girlfriend of his – in December 2021 and faces, if convicted, a two-year prison sentence.

Judge Glenn Theakston, of the Australian Capital Territory Magistrates’ Court, asked Tuesday that an evaluation of Kyrgios’s mental health be carried out and postponed the process until Feb. 3, at the request of the defense, local outlet TV Nine reported.

Kyrgios did not appear at Tuesday’s hearing as he was at the Japan Open in Tokyo, although his lawyer said in court his client “prefers to appear in person” at the trial, the source added.

The player, known for his on-court outbursts and erratic behavior, has spoken about his struggles with mental health, substance abuse and self-harm through social media posts and videos in the past few months.

This has been one of the most successful years in Kyrgios’ wavering career, reaching the Wimbledon final and winning the Australian Open men’s doubles championship. EFE

wat/lds