After being embroiled in controversy for recently making a series of remarks about some of his fellow players, Nick Kyrgios has now been kicked-out of the Italian Open.
The 24-year-old got defaulted during his second round match against Norway’s Casper Ruud on Thursday. During what was an intense encounter at the Foro Italico, Kyrgios was vocal about his displeasure with the crowd. Who were moving during points. After receiving a series of warnings, the drama peaked two games into the third set. After Kyrgios lost his serve, he received a game penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct. Prompting him to smash his racket, hurl a chair onto the court and then walk off. Stunning the highly animated crowd in Rome.
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In the aftermath of the controversy, the Australian didn’t speak with the media. However, he has since posted on Instagram. Saying that the emotions ‘got the better of him’ and he was unlucky to get defaulted.
“Very eventful day to say to the least.” He wrote. “Emotions got the better of me and I just wanted to say that the atmosphere was crazy out there today, just super unfortunate that it had to end in a default.”
“Sorry Roma, see you again, maybe.” Kyrgios then added.
As a result of his actions, Kyrgios has been fined a total of 20,000 euros for conducting three types of unsportsmanlike conduct. According to the ATP, he has been fined €5000 for a point penalty, €7500 for the game penalty and €7500 for the default. Furthermore, he has forfeited €33,635 in prize money he would have earned.
Besides the financial penalties, the Australian has lost 45 ranking points he would have earned this week. He has also been told that he must personally cover the costs of staying at the official hotel in Rome.
It is not the first time Kyrgios has got himself into hot water. Towards the end of 2016 he received a suspension from the ATP Tour for his behaviour during the Shanghai Masters. Throughout his career, the former top 20 player has been accused of tanking during some of his matches and has been repeatedly fined.
