Nick Kyrgios’s turnaround from temperamental 21-year-old to tournament-winning toast of tennis has been short-lived after he was accused of unprofessional behaviour by the umpire in a 48-minute second round loss at the Shanghai Masters.
The Australian was dispatched 6-3 6-1 by German journeyman Mischa Zverev and could yet face further sanction after appearing to put in no effort during various stages of the match.
Just days after calmly winning his third title of the year in Japan Kyrgios returned to type, arguing with spectators, receiving a code violation for an audible obscenity and walking to the change of ends before one of his opponent’s serves even landed.
The signs weren’t great after a first round win over American Sam Querrey in which Kyrgios declared he was “bored” but following a week in Tokyo with some of his best behaviour the world No.14 unravelled.
After all but giving away a point chair umpire Ali Nilli told Kyrgios: “You can’t play like that, OK? That’s not professional … this is a professional tournament, we have to act professional and play with your best effort the whole time.”
He received a code violation after swearing at the crowd who were riding the Australian, who lost his opening service game, for much of the match.
Down 1-4 in the second set Kyrgios suggested one spectator should “go home” after he told the Australian to “respect the game, respect the people”.
Kyrgios had another verbal altercation before the match ended, telling a spectator he had “zero career”.
It was a frustrating evening in more ways than one with Kyrgios having a good opportunity to get extra rankings points in his unlikely chase for a spot at the World Tour Finals.
Currently placed 12th in the ‘Race for London’ Kyrgios needs a strong finish to the season to be part of the top eight player group invited to the event which is based on performances in 2016.
He is scheduled to compete in two more events before the London finale.
His slated next opponent, Tomas Berdych was also upset on Wednesday, Kyrgios burning a possible match-up with Novak Djokovic in a quarter-final.
Amrit
Roar Guru
He is world number 13, take that one.
Amrit
Roar Guru
Well that's what happens, when you write on something for the first time. I wrote many pieces only to find the same sentiments and ideas being reciprocated in other columns, that's how it comes and goes.
Amrit
Roar Guru
Suspend him permanently, that's what you mean,right.
pauld
Guest
Rubbish you are an Aussie, you can't even spell it.
spoiltbrat.
Guest
Money & fame cant buy class. Such arrogence & no respect for the great game of tennis. (Thats made him rich)Shame we throw money or air-time,at him. Does not deserve it. I am a tennis fan,proud Ausy, BUT having to accept this PETULANT,self obsessed,childish behavour without suitable punishment...NO wonder he goes on & on..."publicity junky just to prop up.mask his insecurities" ...lack of SELF RESPECT !!!! shameful example to the younger tennis generation. Who is he without tennis...just a no-name,dumby spitting child. Yet to grasp the opportunity & privilage he has/had ...until one day he's a broke,has-been. What a waste of talent.
pauld
Guest
Just speculation on my behalf, but bipolar can explain being up one day, and down the next.
ballychook
Guest
He's just won a tournament last week (his 3rd for the year I think) and risen to no. 14 in the world, so I don't think you can blame off-court issues. I do agree though that he does have issues and maybe a ban will give him time to address them.
clipper
Guest
You'd think he was bi-polar with his inconsistent actions, a real shame with so much talent. There have been a few sports stars who didn't much care for the game - Joe Dimaggio just looked on it as a way to make money and of course Agassi said he hated it, but a least they treated the fans and game with respect.
pauld
Guest
I think Nick is having a few issues off court, so I am hesitant to jump aboard the bully train. If that means I'm swimming against the flow, then do be it.
Anindya Dutta
Roar Guru
The guy is just unbelievable. Was shaking my head in disbelief watching this one. Had written a piece a few weeks ago on him. It's still valid I guess! Sigh. http://www.theroar.com.au/2016/08/30/catch-kyrgios-dont-ask-play-tennis/
Remo Shankar
Roar Pro
Why does this guy keep turning up to places where he has no desire to be? He needs to stay away from tennis for a year and work out he wants and what he doesn't want. Great talent that he is, at the moment he comes across as a guy with the heart of a mouse. Grow a set Nick and just bite the bullet one way or another.
Winston
Guest
hahahahahaha this is so funny. I don't think I've ever seen anything like this before. He should have his own reality tv talk show I reckon - pure entertainment.
Torchbearer
Guest
What was the last thread on Kyrgios- 'do we like Nick yet'........ummm, no...
josh
Roar Rookie
You know what's more disgraceful the Australian Mens Cricket team. Those blokes were apparently trying and got flogged.
Bring Back...?
Guest
He is a (national) disgrace. Why doesn't the ATP suspend him?
anon
Guest
Disgraceful. I watched some of that match. Just when you thought you could get behind this guy, he pulls stunts like this.