Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has pleaded guilty to assaulting a former girlfriend.
Kyrgios has admitted pushing Chiara Passari to the ground during an argument in Canberra in January 2021.
His lawyer told a court in Australia’s capital it was an act of ‘stupidity’ and ‘frustration’, while a psychologist said he suffered from severe depression, thoughts suicides and insomnia in the past.
The magistrate did not register a conviction because the attack was not premeditated and is at the lowest level of seriousness.
Kyrgios was in court on crutches after recent knee surgery.
He did not speak to reporters but later released a statement apologizing for his actions.
“I respect today’s decision and am grateful to the court for dismissing the charges without conviction,” Kyrgios said.
“I was not in a good position when it happened and I reacted to a difficult situation in a way that I deeply regret. I know it was not OK and I am sincerely sorry for the harm that I caused.
“Mental health is tough. Life can feel overwhelming. But I’ve found that getting help and working on myself has helped me feel better and be better.”
The court heard the assault happened outside his ex-girlfriend’s flat in Canberra.
Kyrgios had called an Uber but Ms Passari stood in front of him and closed the car’s passenger door.
The driver wouldn’t leave with the vehicle open, so Kyrgios pushed her shoulders with open palms, knocking her down and brushing her knee.
Ms Passari signed a statement about the assault 11 months later after her relationship with the star ended.
Kyrgios’ current girlfriend wrote a character reference in court saying she had no concerns about violence in their relationship.
