Players want action against rebel Kyrgios
Tennis authorities are coming under pressure from inside the locker room to take firmer action against nick Kyrgios after the Aussie’s latest outbursts marred his strong Us Open victory.
Patience among his fellow professionals is at breaking point after more incidents occurred during and after his straight-sets win over American steve Johnson in the opening round.
A ‘Major Offence’ investigation was launched by the ATP Tour after his throwaway comment in the post-match press conference that the organisation was ‘pretty corrupt anyway’ in relation to his recent £96,000 fine for misdemeanours at this month’s event in Cincinnati.
Kyrgios last night issued a clarification, admitting that it was the wrong word to use. He insisted that he was referring to his belief that he is a victim of double standards when it comes to punishments.
While conceding that his behaviour is controversial and he has deserved some of his sanctions
over the years, he also said: ‘My issue is around others — whether they gain the same, less or more media attention doing the same or similar behaviour and not being sanctioned. That’s my issue and it continues to be.’
The ATP Tour, which does not have any jurisdiction over the Grand slam events, will now look into his comments under the Major Offence rule and could fine him another £80,000 or suspend him for up to three years.
Of course, with Kyrgios an unquestioned drawcard for crowds and television, they do not wish to do that. The exercise in October 2016, when he was suspended for the remainder of the season after blatantly tanking a match in China, was a fruitless one.
Beyond the admission of some guilt, sprinkled with a seasoning of victimhood and self-pity, those who Kyrgios increasingly needs to appease are his fellow players. During a rant at British umpire James Keothavong, one of the calmest customers in the chair, it was noteworthy that Johnson could be heard to protest ‘do you want to play f***ing tennis or have a s***show?’
According to ATP insiders, the American’s sentiments are widely shared in the locker room, with Rafael nadal said to be among those who think the whole Kyrgios saga requires firmer action.
Kyrgios was actually on good behaviour for most of his match and it should be said there is some truth in his assertion that the rules are not always universally applied.
if Kyrgios could keep his head connected to his shoulders, his part of the draw has opened up in a manner that suggests he could now reach deep into the second week.
Persistent drizzle yesterday meant the second round matches of Jo Konta and Dan evans were postponed until today.
Under the roof of Arthur Ashe stadium, Roger Federer recovered from another shaky start to defeat Bosnia’s Damir Dzumhur 3-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4.