Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has secured a place in the third round of the Murray River Open but his latest match has been overshadowed by a controversial call made by the umpire.
The world No.47 wasn’t afraid to let out his frustration towards the official during his 6-2, 7-6(7), win over Harry Bourchier. The confrontation between Kyergios and umpire Nacho Forcadell started during the second set after he was hit with a time violation. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are no ball kids on the court and therefore players have to get their towels between points. Under ATP rules, players are allowed no longer than 30 seconds between points played in matches.
Upon being issued with the time violation, a bemused Kyrgios criticised Forcadell and even at one point walked off the court in protest.
“Bro, I just started serving,” Kyrgios said.
“I was in my motion, what are you talking about?
“I’m not playing, I’m not playing.”
Kyrgios’ point that the call was made whilst he was in service motion is backed up by a video replay and therefore he was interrupted whilst playing. Something umpires are not allowed to do apart from some circumstances such as a second ball landing on the court.
“I’m not f***ing moving. It’s like you guys do it to just be funny,” Kyrgios fumed. “Bro, I was serving. Why’d you have to call it?
“Because the tennis is about the umpires, right? They come to see you. You’re an extra. You’re an extra for all of us.”
Tournament supervisor Cedric Mourier had to be drafted in to help resolve the situation as Kyrgios continued to hit out at Forcadell.
“Tennis isn’t about him (the chair umpire). He’s an extra to make all this st go smoothly, so why is he doing this?” he asked. “I have to walk back and forth to get my towel now, so he’s a smarta* and calls it? And now I have to get fined for it, but I was playing by the rules.”
Controversy aside, 13th seed Kyrgios had set himself up with a clash against Borna Coric on Thursday. The Croat recorded a 7-5, 6-4, win over Emil Ruusuvuori in his second round match. The two have played each other four times on the ATP Tour with their head-to-head level at 2-2.
“A tough one tomorrow, but first I have a dinner and some wine to drink.” the 25-year-old commented.
Due to both injury and the COVID-19 pandemic, this week is the first time Kyrgios has played a professional tournament in almost a year.
