Nick Kyrgios, the Australian tennis star and BBC pundit, has ignited controversy after being pictured with rapper Ay Huncho.
Ay Huncho, whose legal name is Ali Younes, was released on AU$1.8 million (£860k) bail following charges related to alleged kidnapping and assault.
Reports suggest the rapper has connections to the Alameddine crime syndicate.
Ay Huncho is accused of being part of a group that allegedly lured a man to a property known for drug activity before “ambushing” him.
The victim was reportedly forced into the garage of the house and left unconscious after an assault.
Although the victim sustained serious injuries requiring hospitalisation, court proceedings revealed he did not cooperate with the police.
An audio recording allegedly captures Ay Huncho laughing about the kidnapping.
There is no information suggesting any connection between Kyrgios and the Alameddine crime syndicate.
According to reports, Kyrgios and Ay Huncho were photographed together on May 9 at Fiction nightclub in Canberra.
Kyrgios is reported to have captioned the image with: “Keep waiting on it @ayhuncho.”
The post has since been removed from social media.
Despite the serious charges, Ay Huncho`s bail conditions allow him to continue his tour across Australia.
He is scheduled to perform in Adelaide on May 30.
Meanwhile, Kyrgios is focused on restarting his tennis career.
Having been hampered by a wrist injury, the former Wimbledon finalist has only won one match on the tour since October 2022.
Last year, the Australian served as a commentator for the BBC at Wimbledon.
Kyrgios has not competed since his loss to Karen Khachanov in Miami two months ago.
The former world No. 13 is anticipated to make his return at Roland Garros, where he plans to play doubles alongside fellow Australian Jordan Thompson.
Earlier this year, Kyrgios and his girlfriend of four years, Costeen Hatzi, ended their relationship.
Reflecting on the split, Costeen stated: “We haven`t spoken. Relationships sometimes end, and I believe it`s for the best.”
Off the court, Kyrgios has been developing his podcast titled “Good Trouble.”
He has also confirmed plans for a live podcast show at the Wimbledon Theatre ahead of this year`s Championships.
