Nick Kyrgios had another eventful night on the tennis court during his second-round match against Karen Khachanov at the Cincinnati Masters on Wednesday.
Kyrgios lost to Khachanov in three sets 6-7, 7-6, 6-2 while dealing with ankle/foot issues. He expressed issues in the second set with chair umpire Fergus Murphy after the pace of his play was pointed out. Kyrgios then brought up notorious slow player Rafael Nadal and compared himself to the Spaniard, saying he was nowhere near as slow.
Kyrgios eventually was hit with a warning for unsportsmanlike conduct after cursing at Murphy, whom he also called a “potato.” The Australian player was heated and smashed two rackets, but he headed off the court before doing so in an attempt to avoid further penalty.
BANG, BANG!!
Nick Kyrgios absolutely DESTROYED two racquets and the commentators lost it
Watch the Cincinnati Masters live on ESPN. pic.twitter.com/q2d2dTeND3
— ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) August 15, 2019
After losing the final set so easily, Kyrgios was in no mood to be courteous. He called Murphy a “f—ing tool” and refused to shake the umpire’s hand.
Please get Kyrgios out of tennis until he grows up. pic.twitter.com/Rgvckgz0S5
— Sean Kent (@seankent) August 15, 2019
Kyrgios was lucky he wasn’t defaulted or penalized worse in the match. He and Murphy have history; Murphy issued a disrespectful Kyrgios a code violation during a June match in London.
Expect to see Kyrgios disciplined for his conduct, which is nothing new for him.
