Miami Open 2018: Fernando Verdasco issues statement about Thanasi Kokkinakis spat
FERNANDO VERDASCO has moved to clear up his row with Thanasi Kokkinakis at the Miami Open yesterday.
Thanasi Kokkinakis and Fernando Verdasco in SPAT during match
Verdasco secured a 3-6 6-4 7-6 (7-4) win against Kokkinakis, who knocked Roger Federer out of the tournament, to progress to the last 16 but the game was overshadowed by a spat between the pair during a break in play.
The 34-year-old was annoyed with a noise coming from behind him in the crowd and accused a man in a hat of being loud.
The pair argued before Kokkinakis identified the suspected culprit as his father.
Verdasco has since taken to Twitter in an attempt to clear up the situation.
“Just for all of you guys to know,” he wrote. “It was NOT Thanasi’s dad.”
Thanasi Kokkinakis in heated ROW with Fernando Verdasco - video
It was NOT Thanasi’s dad
Speaking after the game, Verdasco admitted Kokkinakis was a tough opponent to beat.
“He was playing great and I was just trying to stay in the match,” he told ATP World Tour.
“I was trying to play more aggressive, deep as well as trying to move him around.
“It was tough conditions, hot and windy.
Fernando Verdasco was involved in a spat with Thanasi Kokkinakis
Thanasi Kokkinakis claimed Fernando Verdasco accused his dad of making a noise
“I was just trying to fight, trying to stay in the match even with points like the passing shot at 4-4.
“I just had to stay there, keep fighting and be focussed.
“Sometimes it can come back to you and you win an unbelievable match.”
Verdasco faces compatriot Pablo Carreno Busta in the last 16 today after the 16th seed beat Steve Johnson.