Nick Kyrgios brags about helping future generations of tennis players with discipline after Ben Shelton reveals racket breaks costing fine

Ben Shelton revealing that his racquet sponsor, Yonex, fines players for breaking racquet drew a hilarious reaction from Nick Kyrgios. Kyrgios joked that the rule was created because of him, as he is known for breaking racquets on the court when frustrated.

Recently, Shelton was asked whether he had broken any racquets out of frustration. he explained that Yonex, his racquet sponsor, penalizes players for breaking racquets and levies a fine on them if they fail to comply. So, he has not broken any racquets since turning professional.

"My racquet company fines you for every racquet you break. Imma say, as a professional, I haven’t broken any," Shelton said.

A fan was taken aback upon hearing Shelton's revelation and she took to X (formerly Twitter) to express her astonishment and wrote:

"Whoa I just saw an interview with Ben Shelton in which he said Yonex fines them if they break a racquet. This is the first time I’ve heard this," the fan wrote.

Nick Kyrgios replied to this tweet and hilariously took the credit for the formulation of the rule and jokingly dubbed it "The Kyrgios rule."

"The Kyrgios rule….. but this means future generations will think twice before breaking, technically I’m helping," Kyrgios wrote.

Ben Shelton was last seen playing at the 2024 US Open, where he lost in the third round to compatriot Frances Tiafoe. The 21-year-old was leading two sets to one before Tiafoe staged a comeback to win the match. Kyrgios on the other hand, has been contributing to the ESPN commentary team.

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Nick Kyrgios lauds Ben Shelton for 'humble' remarks following defeat to Frances Tiafoe

Nick Kyrgios lauds Ben Shelton for his humble remarks (Image: Getty)

Ben Shelton earned plaudits from Nick Kyrgios for being gracious in defeat. Shelton lost to Frances Tiafoe in the third round but was elated for Tiafoe. In a press conference, the 21-year-old said:

"That was one of the things you've got to be happy for a guy and congratulate, especially a guy like him when he's playing the way he's playing. I think that it's important to show it sometimes that, you know, you can be happy for a guy when they beat you."

Kyrgios was impressed by Shelton's humble answer and wished him success in the future.

"Shelton, ultimate respect. Well played, I hope you have every success in the world. Humble in defeat. This quote ‘ you have to be smart enough to know when it’s your time, but humble enough to know when it’s someone else’s’," Kyrgios wrote on X.

While Kyrgios will continue his commentating duties, Shelton will now focus on preparing for the upcoming tournaments.