Kyrgios has common assault case adjourned while fan takes legal action against him

Tennis star Nick Kyrgios did not appear in an Australian court on Tuesday when a charge of common assault was listed for the first time.

The 27-year-old Kyrgios, who was not required to attend the Australian Capital Territory Magistrates Court, was represented by his lawyer Michael Kukulies-Smith. He was not required to enter a plea or apply for bail.

Magistrate Louise Taylor adjourned the case to Oct. 4.

Also, a tennis fan who was temporarily removed from Centre Court during the men's Wimbledon final following a complaint by Kyrgios is taking legal action against him for what she describes as a "reckless and entirely baseless allegation."

Kyrgios remains in the United States preparing for in the U.S. Open, which starts next week.

The common assault charge relates to an incident in January of last year in Canberra that was reported to Australian Capital Territory Police in December. It reportedly involves his former girlfriend, Chiara Passari.

Kukulies-Smith told the court Kyrgios "spends very little time" in Canberra, where he grew up.

Kukulies-Smith foreshadowed making an application at a future court date "capable of finalizing the matter," but did not provide details.

Police charged Kyrgios by summons in July, when he making a career-best run at Wimbledon. The charge carries a potential maximum of two years in prison.

Fan attempting to clear name

At Wimbledon, during a changeover in the final against Novak Djokovic, Kyrgios complained to the umpire that a spectator was distracting him while he was serving, saying she was "drunk out of her mind in the first row" and identifying her as "the one who looks like she's had about 700 drinks."

The spectator, Anna Palus, said in a statement released by her lawyers on Tuesday that she was bringing defamation proceedings against Kyrgios in a bid to clear her name.

"During the course of the final, Nick Kyrgios made a reckless and entirely baseless allegation against me," Palus said in the statement. "Not only did this cause considerable harm on the day, resulting in my temporary removal from the arena, but Mr. Kyrgios' false allegation was broadcast to, and read by, millions around the world, causing me and my family very substantial damage and distress."

Palus said she was taking action "to obtain vindication and to prevent repetition of the allegation."

She said any damages recovered will be donated to charity.

"I hope that Mr. Kyrgios will reflect on the harm he has caused me and my family and offer a prompt resolution to this matter," Palus said in the statement from her law firm, Brett Wilson LLP. "However, if he is unwilling to do this, I am committed to obtaining vindication in the High Court."

The incident took place during the third set of the match that Djokovic went on to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (3). It was Kyrgios' first final at a grand slam tournament.