Nick Kyrgios has crashed out of the Shanghai Masters after suffering a crushing 6-3, 6-1, loss to German qualifier Mischa Zverev.
The world No.14, who won his first ATP 500 title in Japan over the weekend, was far from his best tennis as he produced a series of questionable shots and engaged in confrontations with members of the crowd throughout the 48-minute encounter.
This player comes from outer space 👽👽 #Kyrgios #ShanghaiMasters (GIF @doublefault28) pic.twitter.com/DFe0JRGGcN
— We Are Tennis (@WeAreTennis) 12 October 2016
Kyrgios’ antics on the court even stunned the media covering the match, who at times was left speechless following some of his unsportsmanlike shots. One member of the crowd shouted at Kyrgios and told him to ‘respect the game.’ Not one to let a criticism slip, Kyrgios hit back at that comment.
“You wanna come here and play? …. Sit down & shut up and watch.” Said Kyrgios.
It is unclear as to what the issue was with the 21-year-old in Shanghai. The Australian did appear to be suffering from the after effects of his impressive run in Tokyo last week, where he defeated Gael Monfils and David Goffin to win his biggest title to date. Nevertheless, Kyrgios’ supporters are finding it hard to defend his actions in China.
Así terminó el partido Kyrgios. pic.twitter.com/mDV9AsYUVF
— Nacho Mühlenberg (@NachoMuhlenberg) 12 October 2016
It is not the first time that Kyrgios has been accused of tanking during a tennis match. One of the most notable occurred in the fourth round of the Wimbledon Championships against Richard Gasquet where he appeared to be showing little effort against the Frenchman during parts of the match. Following his Wimbledon exit, Kyrgios denied that he was tanking.
According to his schedule, Kyrgios will not return to the tour until the Basel Open in two week’s time. Meanwhile, Zverev will play Marcel Granollers in the third round in Shanghai.
