Kyrgios pleads guilty to assault charge against ex-girlfriend but escapes conviction

Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios pleaded guilty to an assault charge against his ex-girlfriend in an Australian court but the judge in the case did not record a conviction.

Kyrgios had been accused of assaulting former girlfriend Chiara Passari during an argument between the two in Canberra in January 2021.

The Australian had tried to get the charges dismissed on mental health grounds but that application was unsuccessful.

Kyrgios’ psychologist, Sam Borenstein, told the court in a written report and testimony over phone that the Australian had gone through major depressive episodes in the past and used alcohol and drugs to cope. He also added that mental health struggles had led Kyrgios to impulsive and reckless behaviour at times.

The magistrate in the case, Jane Campbell, did not record a conviction against Kyrgios saying that the offence was at the low end of seriousness for a common assault, was not premeditated and called it an act of “stupidity” and “frustration.”

Kyrgios, ranked No 20 in the world, underwent surgery for a knee injury that forced him to pull out of the Australian Open on the eve of the tournament. The Australian is said to be recovering well and is expected to return to the tennis courts at Indian Wells in March.

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