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New Delhi: Tennis star Nick Kyrgios had suffered severe depression, suicidal ideation and insomnia in the past, a psychologist told a court on Friday when the Australian tennis star pleaded guilty to pushing a former girlfriend to the ground in January 2021. Passari lodged a complaint with police 10 months later, after they had broken up, lawyers told the court.
In a statement read to the court, Passari said she had been severely traumatised by the incident, experiencing severe weight loss, staying in bed day and night — unable to sleep or form new romantic relationships. The 2022 Wimbledon runner-up pleaded guilty in the Australian Capital Territory Magistrates Court to assaulting Chiara Passari during an argument in his hometown of Canberra in January 2021.
Magistrate Jane Campbell did not record an conviction against Kyrgios for reasons including that the offense was at the low end of seriousness for a common assault, and was not premeditated. Psychologist Sam Borenstein told the court Kyrgios suffered from recurring major depression, which included black periods, thoughts of self harm, insomnia, agitation and feelings of guilt.
Borenstein said the tennis star had relied on alcohol and drugs as a means of coping, but was now making progress in dealing with the issues.His knee injury this month had resulted in mild to moderate symptoms of depression, but his mental health was improving, Borenstein said. “As we speak now his mental health has improved significantly,” Borenstein said.
“He’s doing very well,” Borenstein said. “His mental health has improved significantly. Magistrate Beth Campbell heard that appeal but ultimately dismissed the charge.
Campbell said Kyrgios acted poorly but the offence was not planned or premeditated and was a “single act of stupidity” by a young man attempting to extricate himself from a tense situation. Kyrgios was said to have shoved Passari, who was preventing him from leaving her Canberra apartment.”I do not record a conviction against your name, I do not find any necessity to place you on a good behaviour bond,” Campbell said.
