Nick Kyrgios has shown his respect to NBA legend Kobe Bryant before his match against Rafael Nadal, donning his jersey and breaking down into tears during his pre-match warmup.
Kyrgios is an avid basketball fan, having been spotted wearing different NBA jerseys throughout his various practice sessions.
Whilst he is diehard Celtics fan, it was evident that the tragedy had struck a chord in the 23-year-old, wearing his number eight jersey as he entered Rod Laver Arena.
Nick Kyrgios pays respect to the late Kobe Bryant by wearing his Jersey. 💛💜
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) January 27, 2020
Rest in peace, Mamba.
Watch: @Channel9
Stream: https://t.co/WcZgQQOKJv#9WWOS #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/E6W2lEnR90
Nice touch seeing Nick Kyrgios in a Kobe Bryant Lakers singlet pre-match. #AusOpen
— Laurence Rosen (@LaurenceRosen) January 27, 2020
Nick Kyrgios will enter the court on a Kobe shirt. pic.twitter.com/1Xukt2L2oi
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) January 27, 2020
The occassion appeared to get to Kyrgios, shown in tears as he walked onto the court in front of the packed crowd.
Stay strong, @NickKyrgios. ❤️️
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) January 27, 2020
Watch: @Channel9
Stream: https://t.co/WcZgQQOKJv#9WWOS #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/L7O3aT1fsM
Competing with a heavy heart tonight 💔@NickKyrgios | #AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/7mXMbWb8sh
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 27, 2020
Emotional entrance from Nick Kyrgios. You could see him holding back tears there. Heavy. #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/GyQQVpkMtF
— Brendan Bradford (@1bbradfo) January 27, 2020
The tournament honoured his passing before the match, showing a video package containing his greatest moments as a player.
Kobe Bryant tribute playing inside Rod Laver Arena. #AusOpen
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) January 27, 2020
His opponent Rafael Nadal sent his thoughts to the Bryant family after hearing about the incident, labelling him as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
"Horrible news today," Nadal said via Instagram.
"Tragic the death of one of the greatest sportsmen in the world.
"Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and other passengers. My condolences to his wife and families. I am in shock."
Novak Djokovic shared this sentiment, mourning the loss of his "mentor".
"My heart truly mourns over the news today. Kobe was a great mentor and friend," he wrote.
"There are not enough words to express my deepest sympathies to the Bryants and every family suffering from this tragedy.
"May God bless you and your Gianna.
"Thank you for being there for me and inspiring the entire world. Thank you for showing all of us athletes how to compete and respect sport. Thank you for the greatest legacy you leave behind with us.
"I’ll never forget your smile spreading positive energy everywhere you went.
"You and your daughter will live forever ♾ in our hearts ❤️. RIP amico mio. Ti voglio bene."