Latest news with #GoodTrouble
The Guardian
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Nick Kyrgios: ‘If I'd acted a bit differently, I would have had a Wimbledon title'
Wimbledon runs through Nick Kyrgios's tumultuous career with a mysterious force full of pain, glory and controversy. It is a tournament defined by history and restraint but, for Kyrgios the disruptor, it is also a place pitted with dark despair and sunlit magic. The Australian has spent a night in a psychiatric ward while playing at Wimbledon and also been served with court orders and lawsuits during and after the 2022 championship that ended in him pushing Novak Djokovic so hard in a memorable final. But he has since struggled with injury and he will miss his third successive Wimbledon this year. He still can't keep away. Kyrgios returns for a live performance of his podcast, Good Trouble, at the New Wimbledon Theatre on 24 June. But he pauses when asked what this strange and beautiful place means to him: 'Wimbledon holds special memories for me. It's the first grand slam where I broke through and it's the pinnacle of tennis. Every time you step into the grounds you feel the energy and the aura. But I don't always feel so comfortable there either because I don't act like the normal tennis player. Wimbledon takes note of that a lot. I definitely feel like a snowman in the desert there but I enjoy it.' Kyrgios cackles when I ask if he expects a few hecklers to join his secret guests at his Wimbledon show. 'I hope so. I really enjoy people that don't necessarily like how I go about things. If they want to come and heckle, I'm all for it. Open invitation, please.' Past guests on his podcast range from Mike Tyson and Naomi Osaka to Matthew McConaughey and Djokovic. Kyrgios starts each episode by asking his guests what 'good trouble' means to them. For Kyrgios, 'good trouble' means 'shaking things up, not always doing things the way we're taught. The one thing that stands out for me, being a tennis player in a Roger Federer-esque sport where you fit into a mould, is that I've gone against the grain my whole career. I've definitely shaken things up and done it my way'. We revisit his tournament debut in 2014 and I ask Kyrgios to describe his initial impressions of Wimbledon. 'That I was at the top of the tennis world. If you play Wimbledon multiple times you're playing in front of the Royal Box on a court where every blade of grass is the same length. If you make it on to that stage the journey has been worth it.' Kyrgios was given a wildcard that year and he played sublime tennis to beat Rafael Nadal in the fourth round. Nadal made only 18 unforced errors over four sets, but he couldn't contain the fire and brilliance of the Canberra teenager. Kyrgios hit 37 aces and 70 winners, including a between-the-legs flick that almost brought Centre Court down with delirium. John McEnroe said: 'We have a new star on our hands.' 'It was life-changing,' Kyrgios says, 'but I wasn't ready at that age [19] to take on the responsibility.' Five years later he played Nadal in the second round. It was another engrossing match studded with acrimony. He lost in four sets but attention focused afterwards on the fact he had tried to hit Nadal with a ball. 'The dude has got how many slams, how much money in the bank?' Kyrgios said afterwards. 'I think he can take a ball to the chest, bro. I'm not going to apologise to him.' Yet, as Kyrgios revealed years later in the Netflix documentary Break Point, he was in turmoil. He was drinking and self-harming to the point where he had to wear a compression sleeve on his arm to hide the scars. He spoke of how, in the aftermath of losing to Nadal, he was admitted to a psychiatric ward in London. But Kyrgios says something subtly different now when I ask if he can take us back to his time under psychiatric care: 'I had to go and play Nadal the next day. I didn't really have a choice.' I am so surprised that I ask Kyrgios if he really had been on the psychiatric ward the night before he faced Nadal? 'Yes, yes. In 2019 people assumed that I had an incredible year. I was top 20 in the world, but I was at my lowest. When I finally opened up that's when people started realising that, yes, I haven't always been perfect or always done things right, but I'm willing to speak about it. I've had hundreds of thousands of kids messaging me on Instagram and I try and go through all of them and help as much as I can.' How did he play against Nadal in such a fragile state? 'We have to sometimes block out what we're going through and go to work. I can't just run away.' Kyrgios adds: 'Playing Nadal at Wimbledon and losing in a tight four-set battle? I was extremely proud. I'm just proud I made it through [his depression].' He was so low that, 'all through that year', Kyrgios contemplated taking his life. 'I was in a dark place and it didn't get better after that moment. I was definitely struggling throughout the year with those thoughts and the self-harm. But I've been able to navigate that and help others.' For Kyrgios, 'anyone who doesn't say I'm a role model doesn't know what I go through on a day-to-day basis. They don't have kids messaging them for advice and saying: 'I've had suicidal thoughts and you're the only reason why I'm trying to find my way.' I do everything I can for the youth so I think [his critics] are straight-up haters. 'But I take pride in giving back and when I see kids that aren't super-high on confidence and are afraid of people speaking negative words at them, that's when I can help the most, because I've gone through it.' Andy Murray saw the signs of self-harm and, as Kyrgios confirms appreciatively, 'he was one of the first to notice and tell me, if I needed any help, I could always talk to him.' Three years on, in 2022, Kyrgios lost that bruising four-setter to Djokovic in the final. 'The fact I've made the final of a grand slam is pretty damn cool,' he says. 'It's something I'll be able to share with my kids and grandkids and show them that anything is possible. The courts around my house [in Canberra] are generally concrete with cracks in them so the fact I made a grand slam final is pretty crazy.' Earlier in that tournament Kyrgios received a summons to appear in a Canberra court on a charge of common assault after he had allegedly pushed his former girlfriend Chiara Passari during an argument in January 2021. 'All the charges got dropped,' Kyrgios says. 'I knew exactly what was happening, so I just had to continue playing tennis.' In 2023 Kyrgios pleaded guilty but he was not convicted as the magistrate decided he had 'acted poorly in the heat of the moment' and that the case was at the lower end of the scale of common assault. In a written statement Kyrgios expressed his contrition. 'I was not in a good place and I reacted to a difficult situation in a way I deeply regret. I know it wasn't OK and I'm sincerely sorry for the hurt I caused.' Kyrgios was also sued after the 2022 final because he had asked the umpire to eject a spectator, Anna Palus, who shouted just before he served. He said that Palus 'looks like she's had about 700 drinks, bro' but, after legal action was instigated against him, Kyrgios accepted she had not been drinking excessively: 'I was mistaken, and I apologise. To make amends, I have donated £20,000 to Great Ormond Street Hospital.' Despite all the controversy he still believes he came close to beating Djokovic. 'Definitely. It was only a couple of points here and there where, if I'd acted a bit differently, I would have had a Wimbledon title. But there's no shame in losing to the greatest of all time. Do I think about it often? Yes. Do I think about what I could have changed? Yes. Could I have prepared better? No. I prepared amazingly.' Two months later Kyrgios should have played Casper Ruud in the US Open semi-final but he lost a five-set match in the quarters to Karen Khachanov. 'I should have won and I genuinely thought that was one of my biggest chances to win a slam. But it's not life or death. I can't say that losing a tennis match is catastrophic.' Kyrgios has suffered numerous wrist, knee and foot injuries and, after struggling at the Australian Open and Indian Wells this year, he was forced to withdraw from Wimbledon. Can he come back and play in more grand slams? 'Yes, I think I'll definitely play them one or two more times. But there's a lot of wear on these tyres. It's a tough sport.' Rehab and training are a 'constant grind' for the 30-year-old but he expects to play in the US Open. 'Yes, for sure. I'm definitely playing the US swing and I'll take it one day at a time.' Meanwhile, as they showed during their exhilarating French Open final, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are playing, in Kyrgios's words, 'incredible tennis. It's pretty obvious those two are going to be juggernauts of the sport for the next 10 or 15 years. They pushed each other to a level that not many have played before. I think Alcaraz has that flair and X-factor of Federer, Nadal and Novak. Sinner is incredibly powerful but Alcaraz will be up there with those greats.' Who will win Wimbledon next month? 'I've got to say Alcaraz.' Kyrgios and Djokovic are friends now, so was he wrong to once say the Serb had 'a sick obsession with wanting to be liked'? 'No. He's way more comfortable in his own skin now. I think he did want the crowd to love him but he enjoys being the villain. He finds energy when people heckle him. He's the greatest tennis player of all time so he wouldn't care as much what people think now. We have respect for each other and we are proof that different personalities can make it to the top and you don't have to have everyone liking you.' Kyrgios has been a revelation in the commentary box. 'I know I'm a great commentator,' he says. 'All I've done for 20 years is play, study and breathe this sport. I also think tennis needs commentators who say things that not everyone says.' Yet the BBC has not signed him up for this year's Wimbledon. 'It's unfortunate but it's probably their loss more than mine,' he says. 'I understand they've got Chris Eubanks [the American currently ranked world No 108] but he hasn't beaten the greatest of all time multiple times. When someone's beaten Federer, Nadal, Murray and Djokovic and has incredible insights, it's very strange you wouldn't want that person adding knowledge to tennis fans.' Kyrgios sounds more conciliatory towards the BBC when he says: 'I'm sure our paths will cross again. I only ever want to add humour, some knowledge and some great atmosphere.' As he prepares to return to Wimbledon, and the scene of so many tangled memories, Kyrgios says: 'Life's too short for regrets. I think if you take one little block out, it all falls down. Every mistake I've made has given me the chance to learn and be the person I am today.' Nick Kyrgios will be at the New Wimbledon Theatre on 24 June as part of his Good Trouble with Nick Kyrgios global tour. Info at In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email jo@ or jo@ In the US, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
'No Kings' organizers set next protest date. White House called June 14 'utter failure'
A coalition of organizations behind the nationwide "No Kings" protests announced another day of action under the name "Good Trouble Lives On." In a June 16 call, organizers debriefed on the events of June 14, where the American Civil Liberties Union says more than 5 million people turned out across about 2,100 communities in the U.S. The protests fell on Trump's 79th birthday and coincided with the Army's 250th anniversary parade in Washington. D.C. " 'Where do we go from here' is a famous line from a Dr. King speech," Barbara Arnwine with Transformative Justice Coalition said on the call. "And where we go from here is July the 17th... We're going to make good trouble because good trouble lives on and we will not stop until we win: no kings, no tyrants, no despots." "Good trouble" is a term coined by the late Congressman John Lewis, and July 17 will mark five years since his death, the movement's website states. A map of events shows there are more than 60 demonstrations planned for that day as of June 17. "Good Trouble Lives On is a national day of action to respond to the attacks on our civil and human rights by the Trump administration," the website states. "Together, we'll remind them that in America, the power lies with the people." Are people protesting more than usual? 'Jaw-dropping' number planned on Trump's birthday Trump did not post about the protests on his social media site Truth Social. But the White House did weigh in on the protests in a statement on X. "The so-called No Kings protests have been a complete and utter failure with minuscule attendance. It is sad Democrats and liberals would rather support criminals and illegals instead of celebrating the 250th anniversary of our great U.S. Army and Flag Day," communications director Steven Cheung wrote. "But many more Americans are commemorating our brave military men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice and who those continue to serve our country." The American Civil Liberties Union, one of the co-organizers of the protests, estimated that more than 5 million people participated in about 2,100 demonstrations across the U.S. '(Saturday's) protests are a resounding message that people across the nation will not be intimidated by President Trump's fear tactics. Americans are brave, democracy loving people and will not sit idly by as the Trump administration feeds our Constitution into the shredder — nor will the ACLU,' ACLU chief political and advocacy officer Deirdre Schifeling said in a press release on June 14. Ezra Levin, co-founder of one of the organizing groups, Indivisible, called it one of the largest protests in American history. "Blue states, red states, purple states, city centers, suburbs, rural have friends everywhere," he said on the June 16 call. USA TODAY reached out to organizers for this story. Contributing: James Powell, Sarah D. Wire, Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY Network Kinsey Crowley is the Trump Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at kcrowley@ Follow her on X and TikTok @kinseycrowley or Bluesky at @ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: No Kings protest date set for July: When is it, theme?
Time Magazine
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Magazine
TIME Studios and Partners In Kind Announce Partnership to Produce Impact-Driven Documentary Features
The Emmy-winning studio is partnering with the powerhouse media and entertainment firm to co-finance a shared slate of feature documentaries. TIME Studios, the Emmy-winning film and television division of TIME, and Partners In Kind, a purpose-driven media company founded to champion socially impactful storytelling, have teamed up to co-produce and co-finance a dynamic slate of documentary feature films over the next two years. United by a shared mission to drive cultural and social impact through storytelling, the two companies will collaborate on projects that amplify untold stories from around the world – at a time when authentic, impact-driven narratives are more critical than ever. The first project in the shared slate, WINNIE AND NELSON, directed by award-winning filmmaker Dawn Porter (John Lewis: Good Trouble, The Way I See It), is a biography and political thriller that explores how the love story between a young Winnie and an older Nelson Mandela ultimately fueled a revolution that changed the world - leaving Mandela as a global hero and Winnie as a misunderstood figure in history. Another shared project, MONOLITH, exploring the impact of Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey, was recently announced as well. The film is being made in partnership with the legendary filmmaker's estate and the Stanley Kubrick Film Archive, and is set for release in 2026. It is produced by Phoenix Pictures, Catchlight Studios, and Appian Way. It is directed by Stevan Riley (Listen To Me Marlon) and Executive Produced by Leonardo DiCaprio. 'This partnership is a natural alignment of values and vision,' said Dave O'Connor, President of TIME Studios. 'Together with Partners In Kind, we're proud to bring transformative stories to the screen that reflect the power of resilience, leadership, and love in the face of adversity.' 'At Partners In Kind, we are passionate about amplifying untold stories and bringing critical, often overlooked perspectives to the forefront,' said Gillian Hormel and Shelly Tygielski, Co-Founders of Partners In Kind. 'Through this partnership with TIME Studios, we are proud to support filmmakers who illuminate complex truths, honor historical legacies, and challenge audiences to reflect on the ethical and cultural forces shaping our world. Together, we are committed to producing bold, enduring films that inform, engage, and inspire.' Recognizing a shared vision of marrying impact and entertainment, the two organizations are currently evaluating multiple prospective inbound projects, alongside those originating within their respective development slates. The TIME Studios and Partners In Kind film collaborations will span diverse genres and perspectives, with each project rooted in cinematic excellence and a drive to engage audiences around urgent and enduring issues. Through the Partners In Kind Foundation, each project will also feature a corresponding impact campaign designed to extend its reach beyond the screen — activating audiences, sparking civic engagement, and supporting aligned grassroots initiatives. Reflecting on the partnership, Dawn Porter emphasized the critical importance of bold investment in documentary filmmaking at this moment, sharing: "This creative partnership between Time Studios and Partners in Kind is exactly the type of investment in documentary filmmaking that is needed at this moment. I hope that other funders are inspired by this powerful partnership. Audiences love our films, and this investment allows us to continue to serve them."
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
ACLU files federal lawsuit against Chambers County Board of Education
The Chambers County Courthouse as seen on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023 in Lafayette, Ala. ACLU filed a federal lawsuit against the Chambers County Board of Education on behalf of two teachers who were wrongfully arrested in 2023.(Stew Milne for Alabama Reflector) The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Alabama filed a federal lawsuit in May against the Chambers County Board of Education on behalf of two teachers who were wrongfully arrested in 2023. According to the lawsuit, Yolanda Ratchford and Tytianna Smith held letter-size papers at a Chambers County Board of Education meeting picturing John Lewis reading 'Good Trouble.' 'Silently holding pieces of paper is not a crime. What happened to Ms. Ratchford and Ms. Smith is a clear and shocking abuse of power,' said Alison Mollman, legal director at the ACLU of Alabama. 'These women were exercising their most basic constitutional rights—freedom of speech and peaceful protest—and they were punished for it.' According to a May press release, the complaint includes claims under the First and Fourth Amendments, the Americans with Disabilities Act and Alabama common law. The litigation, filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama, is to get Ratchford and Smith compensated for the harm they endured while in police custody. She said Ratchford is wheelchair bound and was not given access to a toilet while in police custody. A judge ruled the two teachers were not guilty of disorderly conduct. Messages seeking comment from Chambers County Board of Education and the Valley Police Department were left Tuesday. As of Tuesday, the defendants have not responded to the lawsuit through the court. According to a press release, the silent protest was part of ongoing community opposition to the school board's plan to consolidate the county's two public high schools into a new facility located in Valley, a predominantly white city, which would displace Black students and educators from LaFayette. Mollman said the merging of the two schools would cause issues with commuting for Black students that live in spread out county and they would get a different education in the city. 'When you're going a few miles down county roads, it's much different than going down I 65 or 85 you know, at 80 miles an hour. And so that's part of the issue,' Mollman said in an interview in May. The merging of the two schools, Mollman said, would put the Black students at a disadvantage because they would no longer be with their teachers. 'Many of those teachers were black, and so it's not just the bussing times. It's also where those students are going to be placed, who they're going to be taught by, and how that's going to be different, how they're going to be differently situated than from their white peers.' 'A judge determined that they were not guilty of those offenses, and made comments to the effect that if anyone was disorderly in the incident, it was law enforcement,' she said. For the past 50 years, the Chambers County School District has been under a federal desegregation order. A federal judge ruled that both Valley and Lafayette high schools must be combined into one Chambers County High School. A new consolidated high school is set to be built this year, according to WTVM.
Express Tribune
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Kyrgios 'disappointed' after Wimbledon blow
Nick Kyrgios will miss Wimbledon for a third successive year after another injury setback. The Australian has not played at the All England Club since reaching his only grand slam singles final in 2022, where he was beaten by Novak Djokovic. After more than two years on the sidelines with knee and wrist problems, Kyrgios returned at the start of this season but was forced to abandon plans to play doubles at the French Open after suffering another knee injury. And he has now revealed he will not be able to play in his favourite part of the season, writing on Instagram: "Just wanted to give everyone a quick update – I've hit a small setback in my recovery and unfortunately won't make it back for grass this year. "I know how much you've all been looking forward to seeing me out there, and I'm genuinely sorry to disappoint. This is just a bump in the road though, and I'm already working hard to get back stronger than ever. "Thank you for all your continued support – it means everything to me. See you soon!" The 30-year-old's career was put in jeopardy by a torn ligament in his wrist in 2023, which required surgery and kept him out for a year and a half. He finally returned to action in January but admitted after losing to Britain's Jacob Fearnley in the first round of the Australian Open that he might have played his last singles match at Melbourne Park. He was in tears when more pain in his wrist prompted him to retire at Indian Wells in March, although he did win his first singles match since 2022 against Mackenzie McDonald in Miami later that month in what was his most recent tournament. Kyrgios was still a draw at Wimbledon last year after moving into TV punditry, while he will be appearing at the New Wimbledon Theatre on June 24 as part of the live tour of his podcast 'Good Trouble'.
