LONDON: For the second year in a row Australia’s Nick Kygios has been penalized for his behavior at the Fever-Tree Championships on Thursday.
The former top-20 player engaged in a row with numerous officials over a series of questionable decisions made concerning calls from the linespeople. In his first match that took place against Roberto Carballés Baena, Kyrgios demanded to speak with the supervisor. Saying that one official was ‘taking the p***’ when a serve from his opponent was called in.
Following on from that, he also caused controversy during his second round clash with Felix Auger-Aliassime. Again bemused by some line calls, at the end of the match he threw his racket outside of the court. Narrowly missing hitting anybody.
“I knew some of the calls weren’t going to be great. I thought some of the calls were outrageous today. It shouldn’t have to come down to me and Felix giving each other points. He gave me a point at a pretty crucial time, and I gave him a point at a pretty crucial time.” Kyrgios said during his press conference after his loss.
“I just don’t think, at this level of sport, that we should have line judges and umpires that aren’t making the right decisions.”
As a result of his behavior, Kyrgios has been issued with three separate fines amounting to a total of $17,500. He was issued with unsportsmanlike conduct twice during his match against Carballés Baena (costing $2500 and $5000). Furthermore, he was issued with an additional $10,000 fine for his conduct in the other match.
The 24-year-old is no novice when it comes to getting fined or even suspended from the ATP Tour. Last year he was docked £13,000 for making a lewd gesture with a water bottle at the same tournament. Not that the penalties deter Kyrgios in any way.
“I don’t care, Man. If you’re gonna fine me for that, that’s fine.” He told reporters yesterday.
