Kyrgios pays the price for antics
STAR’S CONDUCT DEEMED UNSPORTSMANLIKE Controversial Australian’s tennis future is again under threat.
Temperamental Australian Nick Kyrgios was fined $10 000 and lost another $21 085 in prize money yesterday for storming off midway through his first-round match at the Shanghai Masters this week.
And the 22-year-old, for whom this was just the latest in a string of controversies, could yet face further punishment from the ATP after it fined Kyrgios for unsportsmanlike conduct.
A spokesman for the body said Kyrgios was also not allowed to collect his prize money for taking part in the tournament because he failed to get signed off for a medical afterwards to prove he was unwell or hurt.
Kyrgios, whose tournament is over after he also pulled out of his scheduled doubles match with Frenchman Lucas Pouille yesterday, apologised after walking off court on Tuesday after losing the first-set tie break to the American Steve Johnson.
In a statement posted on Twitter a few hours later he said that he had a “stomach bug” and had hurt his shoulder. The tweet later appeared to have been deleted.
The world No 21 rowed with spectators and was accused of giving away points in a defeat at the same Shanghai event last year.
The fiery Kyrgios was consequently suspended and his immediate future in tennis is again under threat following the incident, when he hastily exited the court with jeers and boos ringing in his ears.
It came after he complained about the umpire and spectators in the arena, and was docked a point penalty for the second match running because of his conduct, which included blasting a ball out of the court in a flash of rage.
“Poor officiating again,” Kyrgios complained, and added: “Sick of this place.” – AFP