Nick Kyrgios finds himself in hot water once again after criticising the governing body of men’s tennis following his first round win at the US Open.
The former top 20 player has branded the ATP as ‘pretty corrupt’ following his 6-3, 7-6 (7-1), 6-4 victory over America’s Steve Johnson. He made the comments after being asked about the $113,000 fine he was issued with during the Western and Southern Open. During that match, Kyrgios engaged in a heated confrontation with the umpire. Branding him a “F***ing tool” after being issued with a time violation. He was issued with eight separate financial penalties ranging from unsportsmanlike conduct to leaving the court without permission.
“The ATP is pretty corrupt anyway. I’m not fussed about it at all,” he said, in a move that is likely to anger the organisation.
A breakdown of the $113,000 fine
– Unsportsmanlike conduct (point penalty) – $20,000
– Leaving the court – $3000
-Audio obscenity – $5000
-Unsportsmanlike conduct – $5000
-Unsportsmanlike conduct – $20,000
-Verbal abuse – $20,000
-Unsportsmanlike conduct – $20,000
-Unsportsmanlike conduct – $20,000
Kyrgios’ words could come back to haunt him. At the time of his fine, the ATP said they were looking to see if any further action world by required in relation to the Player Major Offense section of the code. Including the possibility of a suspension. However, there has been no official comment about any further action being taken.
“I was fined 113,000k (US$113,000) for what? Why are we talking about something that happened three weeks ago when I just chopped up someone first round of a US Open,” Kyrgios reacted to a question during his press conference.
Bemused by the questions being asked by the media, the 24-year-old took a swipe at one journalist who questioned his antics. Kyrgios, who has scored wins over the likes of Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, is renowned for his controversial behaviour on the court. He was defaulted from the Italian Open earlier this year for throwing a chair onto the court.
“Have you ever sworn at someone before?” he said to the journalist.
When the journalist replied that he does but not in public, Kyrgios responded: “You are also not an elite athlete. Just answer my question. Have you ever sworn at someone before?”
Asked if he believes it is acceptable for elite athletes to swear, he said: “No, I’m just saying people get frustrated. It happens.”
Kyrgios will play Antoine Hoang in the second round of the US Open.
