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Nick Kyrgios arrives in court with his partner Costteen Hatzi and his brother to face a charge of assault against his ex-girlfriend, after trying to get the matter dismissed on mental health grounds.
Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has arrived at the ACT Magistrates Court to answer a charge of common assault against his ex-girlfriend Chiara Passari.
Kyrgios arrived on crutches after recent knee surgery and was flanked by his family, including his mother Norlaila, brother Christos and his current partner, Costeen Hatzi.
Australian Capital Territory Police previously said the charge was linked to an incident in January 2021, which was reported to ACT police in December last year.
Kyrgios arrives at the ACT Magistrates Court. He faces a charge of common battery against his ex-girlfriend Chiara Passari
Kyrgios arrived with his legal representation, partner Costteen Hatzi, mother Norlaila Kyrgios and brother Christos
Canberra lawyer Michael Kukulies-Smith is representing Kyrgios.
The 27-year-old was initially scheduled to appear in 2022, but managed a postponement to play at the US Open.
A hearing was held on August 23, but Kyrgios was not required to attend as long as his legal representation appeared.
Nick Kyrgios with Chiara Passari in the Bahamas in 2021 when they were in a relationship together
In October, his lawyers appeared in the ACT Magistrates’ Court and requested a stay so that the mental health forensic reports could be prepared, as they sought to have the matter dismissed on mental health grounds.
Magistrates have the power to dismiss a charge if they believe the defendant has a mental disability and that dealing with the matter in that manner would benefit both the offender and the community.
Glenn Theakston Magistrate adjourned the case until today, when a decision is likely to be made on whether to dismiss the charge.
Kyrgios missed the recent Australian Open with injury and hopes to return to court for the Indian Wells Masters in California in March.
Just 30 minutes before his scheduled appearance, Kyrgios was relaxed enough to post a meme on Twitter comparing NBA players Jaren Jackson Jr and Anthony Davis.
Kyrgios, a self-confessed NBA fan, posted the meme with the caption ‘LOL’.
More to come…