WATCH: ‘Do you feel bad?!’ – Nick Kyrgios directs another outburst at umpire
Former world number 13 Nick Kyrgios crashed out of the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship in Houston in controversial fashion after losing to America’s Reilly Opelka in the semi-finals.
The Australian received a walkover in the quarter-finals to be awarded the clash against the the big serving Opelka, but he was on the back foot from the off as he went 3-1 down in the first set. He never recovered, losing the first set 6-3.
It was a tighter contest in the second, however it was overshadowed by the behaviour of Kyrgios. At a crucial stage in the second set, where the score was 5-5 and 30-15 in favour of the Kyrgios, the World number 94 lost his cool and composure following an apparent error from umpire Joshua Brace. who failed to call a Opelka forehand return out.
He went on to be broken and lose the next two points and then was then given a point penalty after his second warning for foul language on court. Opelka was then up 6-5 and comfortably served out the game to win the match and advance to the final, winning 6-3, 7-5.
At the final changeover, the man from Canberra continued to vent his anger screaming ”F***! F****** out! How are you not calling it? It’s an absolute joke”. He even asked the umpire after the match, “Do you feel bad? I don’t think you feel bad.”
The incident comes only a week after Kyrgios was handed several code violations for the use of foul language, was docked a point for unsportsmanlike conduct towards the umpire and fined total of $35,000 (£25,000) following his defeat at the Miami Open to Jannik Sinner.
Nick Kyrgios will also be expected to face a harsher punishment as a result of his actions, with the ATP announcing stricter sanctions on such behaviour earlier this week.
? Join >> Receive $700/£600 of tennis gear from the Tennishead CLUB
? Social >> Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube
? Read >> World’s best tennis magazine
? Watch >> How to enjoy ATP/WTA/Slam tennis on TV
? Shop >> Lowest price tennis gear from our trusted partner
? Gambling>> Betway tennis odds