Australian Nick Kyrgios forfeited his second-round game at the Italian Open on Thursday after walking off court against Norwegian Casper Ruud.
The controversial figure was serving at 1-1 in the third set when the referee gave a point against him for unsportsmanlike conduct for swearing. The world No 36, having already been handed a code violation earlier in the match, was now handed a game penalty.
His response was to smash his racket on the court, argue with the line judge, kick a water bottle before throwing a chair on to the court. He then packed his bag and then stormed off court.
Kyrgios defaulted the match with Ruud winning 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 2-1 to advance to the third round.
Kyrgios later posted on Instagram, “Emotions got the better of me and I just wanted to say that the atmosphere was crazy out there today, just super unfortunate that it had to end in a default. Sorry Roma, see you again, maybe.”
This isn’t the first time Kyrgios has had a meltdown on court. The 24-year-old is famous for having a bad temper during, especially tight matches. The 24-year-old was given a ban by ATP in 2016 at the Shanghai Masters after leaving the court midway through a match against Mischa Zverev and could be in line for another heavy sanction.
In February this year, Rafael Nadal had a run-in with Kyrgios at the Mexico Open after their Round of 16 clash.
“He is a player who has huge talent, who could be winning Grand Slams or fighting for first position in the rankings,” the 17-time Grand Slam champion had said back then. “But he lacks respect for the public, the opponent and himself.”
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