"Mental health is tough but it’s not an excuse for assaulting someone" - Nick Kyrgios' statement after escaping conviction leaves tennis fans unhappy

After escaping criminal charges despite pleading guilty to assaulting his ex-girlfriend Chiara Passari, Nick Kyrgios broke his silence on the issue, stating that he was "seriously sorry" for the hurt he caused and that he genuinely regretted his actions.

However, the Aussie also made it clear that he was in a bad place mentally at the time, implying that it was one of the reasons for the way he acted. The 27-year-old went on to declare that he is continuously working on his mental health and that he is getting better and better with time.

“I was not in a good place when this happened and I reacted to a difficult situation in a way I deeply regret. I know it wasn’t OK and I am sincerely sorry for the hurt I caused,” Nick Kyrgios said. "Mental health is tough. Life can seem overwhelming. But I have found that getting help and working on myself has allowed me to feel better."

Tennis fans, however, were not happy with his comments, lamenting how he did not even apologize to Passari. One fan pointed out the same, drawing attention to his "narcisstic" apology and self-victimization.

"This disgusting narcissist domestic abuser so self-centred, doesn’t even apologise the women she abused. He really think he is the victim!"

Another user made it clear that Kyrgios' invoking of the "mental health" excuse should not validate his assault, writing:

"Mental health is tough but it’s also not an excuse for assaulting someone."

Here are a few more reactions from fans:

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Why did Nick Kyrgios escape conviction despite pleading guilty?

Appearing in the ACT Magistrates Court in Canberra on Friday, Nick Kyrgios pled guilty to the assault charges levied on him, wherein he was accused by Chiara Passari of pushing her onto the pavement in January 2021, injuring her knee in the process.

However, Magistrate Beth Campbell dismissed the case and freed the World No. 20 of criminal charges, referring to the incident as a "single act" of stupidity and frustration. Essentially, Kyrgios did not land in trouble because this was his first run-in with the law on assault allegations.

The judge also pointed out how too much time had elapsed since the incident happened, which was the case only because Kyrgios and his lawyers delayed his court appearance citing that he was away on tour. Understandably, that did not go over well with tennis fans as well, with many criticizing the injustice women were subjected to by the legal system in such matters.