
Kyrgios’ stunning on-court tantrum
Nick Kyrgios has been thrown out of the Italian Open after being defaulted in his second-round clash with Norway's Caspar Rudd following a display of petulance.
With scores level at 6-3 6-7 (7-5) 1-1 in the third set, Kyrgios took exception to some movement in the crowd and made his feelings known to the spectators after being broken by the Norwegian.
He was subsequently docked a game by the chair umpire and furiously smashed his racquet before kicking a water bottle and hurling a sideline chair onto the court.
He then picked up his bag and left the court.
😱(🎥@TennisTV ) #ibi19 pic.twitter.com/ku2wRVc7Lq
— doublefault28 (@doublefault28) May 16, 2019
He was subsequently defaulted from the match, handing Rudd a third-round clash with Juan Martin del Potro.
Kyrgios later tweeted about the incident:
Hahahahaha 😂😂 https://t.co/QM2A2NPz8p
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) May 16, 2019
The controversial Canberran made international headlines before the match when he launched a withering attack on world No. 1 Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Fernando Verdasco in an explosive podcast interview.
Kyrgios could face suspension from the ATP following his antics in Rome.