'It was a complete accident': Nick Kyrgios apologizes after smashed racket almost hits ball boy

By Matias Grez, CNN

Updated 1022 GMT (1822 HKT) March 18, 2022

Nick Kyrgios smashes his racket after his three-set defeat to Rafael Nadal.

(CNN)The best and worst of Nick Kyrgios was on display in Indian Wells on Thursday, as the supremely talented yet frustrating Australian lost in three sets to Rafael Nadal in a thrilling quarterfinal clash.

Kyrgios gave the Spaniard his sternest test of the tournament so far, but Nadal eventually came out on top, winning 7-6 (0) 5-7 6-4 to set up a semifinal clash with rising Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz.However, Kyrgios smashed his racket in frustration following the defeat and an unfortunate bounce meant it came close to hitting a ball boy, who was able to move out of the way in time.The incident led to the crowd booing the 26-year-old, who had previously gotten into a back-and-forth with a heckling fan during the match.«I just want to apologise to that ball kid at the end of the match,» Kyrgios wrote on Instagram. «It was a complete accident and was frustrated at the end of the match.Read More»My racket took a crazy bounce and was never my intention. If anyone knows who that ball kid is, send me a message and I will send a racket to him. I'm glad he's OK!"Kyrgios was able to get in touch with the ball boy, who accepted the apology and the offer of a racket, and posted their exchange on social media.READ: UK government wants assurances that Daniil Medvedev is not a supporter of Vladimir Putin

Made a new friend in the process