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Nick Kyrgios has stormed off the court and called the chair umpire a “smarta***” after being awarded a time violation during Wednesday evening’s game against Harry Bourchier.
During the second set of the Murray River Open clash, Kyrgios was repeatedly complaining about the limited time he had between serves.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, ball kids are no longer permitted to bring towels to players between points, meaning Kyrgios needed to retrieve the towel himself.
The Australian eventually lost his temper when chair umpire Nacho Forcadell called a time violation towards the end of the set, prompting him to storm off the court.
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“Bro, I just started serving,” Kyrgios said.
“I was in my motion, what are you talking about?
“I’m not playing, I’m not playing.”
The Melbourne spectators erupted in laughter as Kyrgios made his way to the bench, the tennis star shaking his head in frustration.
In bizarre scenes, the 25-year-old continued arguing with Forcadell, claiming that he’d already started his service motion when the clock struck zero.
Meanwhile, Bourchier waited patiently at the other end of the court.
“I’m not f***ing moving. It’s like you guys do it to just be funny,” Kyrgios said. “Bro, I was serving. Why’d you have to call it?
“Because the tennis is about the umpires, right? They come to see you. You’re an extra. You’re an extra for all of us.”
Replays showed that Kyrgios was undeniably into his service motion when the violation was called, reinforcing his frustration.
Speaking to court supervisor Cedric Mourier, Kyrgios continued to brashly take aim at the chair umpire.
“I saw the clock … I’m pulling my serve here and he called a time violation,” Kyrgios explained.
“Tennis isn’t about him (the chair umpire). He’s an extra to make all this s**t go smoothly, so why is he doing this?
“I have to walk back and forth to get my towel now, so he’s a smarta*** and calls it? And now I have to get fined for it, but I was playing by the rules.”
Kyrgios reluctantly agreed to finish the match, but only after asking Mourier whether he would be fined for the incident.
“Do I get fined for that, yes or no?” Kyrgios asked.
“I’ve lost enough money to these peanuts.”
READ MORE: Stars ‘nervous’ ahead of Aus Open draw
Kyrgios eventually claimed a 6-2 7-6 victory after saving several set points to qualify for the round of 16 match on Thursday, where he will face Croatia’s Borna Coric.
“I definitely feel at home playing at the Aus Open,” Kyrgios said after the match. “I love it here, it’s my favourite tournament of the year.
“I thought that the level (Bourchier) brought in the second set was very high. He was serving really, really well and he started getting on to a couple of my serves.
“I’m actually pretty happy with the way I played today.
“A tough one tomorrow, but first I have a dinner and some wine to drink.”
Kyrgios battled a left knee injury during Tuesday’s match against Alexandre Müller, but the world No. 47 didn’t appear to be in discomfort on Wednesday.
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