Melbourne
Australia’s Nick Kyrgios plunged into a trademark meltdown Wednesday, holding up play for more than five minutes as he argued over a time violation while serving at the Murray River Open.
The combustible Kyrgios was leading countryman Harry Bourchier 6-2, 5-5 and serving at 40-30 when he took issue with the decision, walking to his chair and declaring: “I’m not playing, sorry mate.”
Kyrgios, who eventually recovered to win the match, was unhappy that Spanish umpire Nacho Forcadelle called the violation, claiming he had already begun his service motion.
“It’s like you’re just doing it to be funny,” he fumed at the umpire. “Do you think you’re funny?”
He demanded the match supervisor be called, telling the chair official: “When will you guys realise it’s not about you. You’re just an extra for all of us.”
After arguing further with the supervisor, he finally agreed to play after being assured he wouldn’t be fined. When Bourchier suggested they get on with the game Kyrgios responded: “I want to talk about it now. I’ve lost enough money to these peanuts.”
Kyrgios gathered his composure to win the match 6-2, 7-6 (9/7) and afterwards insisted: “I just like playing by the rules.
“And I just didn’t want to play until I was sure I wasn’t going to get fined because the ATP are pretty rough all the time, they fine me so much money.—APP
