Stefanos Tsitsipas claims statements he made about Nick Kyrgios at Wimbledon in 2022 were “misinterpreted” after they were viewed as racist on social media.

Tsitsipas of Greece said the Australian’s attitude to tennis was “uneducated” after he was knocked out in a heated third-round match.

Kyrgios, he added, brought “that NBA basketball attitude” to tennis.

His comments were featured in the latest season of Netflix’s “Break Point.”

Tsitsipas, the current world number five, stated that there was “an unfortunate misunderstanding that has created a distorted picture of my intentions.”

“It has come to my attention that some individuals have misinterpreted my comments regarding Nick Kyrgios…insinuating racism where none exists,” Tsitsipas, 24, said on Facebook.

“I’d like to emphasize that I have no prejudices against anyone because of their background, ethnicity, or interests.” “I deeply regret if my words were misconstrued or offended anyone; that was never my intention.”

“My previous remarks about Nick Kyrgios were not meant to undermine his intelligence or abilities,” he continued. Instead, I wanted to communicate my thoughts on certain parts of his playing style, drawing parallels to the passion and intensity commonly associated with basketball.

“It was an attempt to highlight the dynamic and captivating nature of his approach to the game, not a criticism of his character or capabilities.”

Tsitsipas stated that he “deeply regrets” any hurt caused and that he will be “more mindful” of his comments and their impact in the future.

Kyrgios won the match 6-7 (2-7) 6-4 6-3 7-6 (9-7) to advance to his first Grand Slam final, where he was defeated by Novak Djokovic.

In an eventful match, Kyrgios requested that Tsitsipas be forfeited when he blasted a ball into the audience after losing the second set, narrowly missing a spectator.

The Australian had already been warned for an obscenity, while Tsitsipas was given a point penalty for a second code violation after smashing the ball away in disgust in response to an underarm serve.

Tsitsipas labeled Kyrgios a “bully” with a “evil side” after the match, while Kyrgios stated Tsitsipas had “serious issues.”

Kyrgios had knee surgery in January and wants to be ready for Wimbledon, which begins on July 3.