An angelic Nick Kyrgios reached his first Grand Slam quarter-final for seven years when he recovered from a slow start to beat steady American Brandon Nakashima in five sets on Wimbledon`s Centre Court on Monday. With Kyrgios`s bad-tempered Court One victory over fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas still the talk of the town, the Australian was on his best behaviour in front of the Royal Box as he ground out a 4-6 6-4 7-6(2) 3-6 6-2 win.

Unseeded Chilean Cristian Garin awaits in the last eight after edging out Kyrgios`s compatriot Alex De Minaur, offering Kyrgios a golden opportunity to surpass his quarter-final run at Wimbledon on his debut in 2014 when he stunned Rafa Nadal.

After the mayhem and toxic atmosphere of Saturday, when Kyrgios was accused by Tsitsipas of being a bully, he let his tennis do the talking against the 20-year-old Nakashima, barely uttering a word in anger throughout a contest that contained few of the fireworks usually associated with the Australian.

While his tennis did not reach the heights he managed against Tsitsipas and at times he struggled physically, Kyrgios still struck 61 winners, 31 of which were aces.

"It wasn`t near my best performance, level wise, but I`m just super, super happy to get through," Kyrgios, who has now won 11 of 14 five-set matches, said on court.

"I`ve never lost a fifth set here. Honestly, that`s what I was thinking about. I was like, I`ve been here before I`ve done it before and I came through again."

Asked about facing Garin, he said: "I`m not going to think about that. I`m going to need a glass of wine tonight for sure." Kyrgios entertained the capacity crowd with some tweeners in the warm-up and even practised some under-arm serves.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/stefano-tsitsipas-calls-nick-kyrgios-a-bully-after-feud-during-wimbledon-2022-clash-aussie-responds-494045">Tsitsipas calls&nbsp;Kyrgios a 'bully' after feud during Wimbledon 2022 clash, Aussie responds</a>

But they were few and far between in a three-hour 10-minute match that was absorbing rather than exciting. If anything the world number 40 looked subdued in the opening set and appeared to be bothered by a stiff shoulder.

Two lazy forehand errors at 4-5 gifted Nakashima the opening set as Kyrgios, whose last Grand Slam quarter-final saw him lose to Andy Murray at the 2015 Australian Open, looked in danger of an anti-climactic exit. But he broke serve for 2-1 in the second set and, after having treatment on his shoulder at the changeover, gradually cranked up the power gauge to level the match.

Nakashima`s focus was total though as the American kept his nose in front in the third set and his no-nonsense approach brought him to within two points of taking the set when Kyrgios again served at 4-5. This time Kyrgios blasted his way out of trouble and, after another love service hold to get into a tiebreak, he turned on the style, hitting two scorching winners, one on each wing, to move within one set of victory.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-lta-appeal-against-wta-fines-for-exclusion-of-russian-players-494429">Wimbledon, LTA appeal against WTA fines for exclusion of Russian players</a>

Nothing is ever quite what it seems though with Kyrgios on court and just when he looked in control he suddenly went off the boil and dropped serve twice in succession as Nakashima took it into a decider.

At that stage, with Kyrgios finally starting to chunter to his box, Nakashima looked a good bet to become the youngest American man to reach the last eight here since Andy Roddick, also 20, managed it in 2003. Kyrgios held from 0-30 to make it 1-1 and then flicked the switch, breaking twice as he raced away towards victory, sealing it with a silky volley.

An angelic Nick Kyrgios reached his first Grand Slam quarter-final for seven years when he recovered from a slow start to beat steady American Brandon Nakashima in five sets on Wimbledon`s Centre Court on Monday.

An angelic Nick Kyrgios reached his first Grand Slam quarter-final for seven years when he recovered from a slow start to beat steady American Brandon Nakashima in five sets on Wimbledon`s Centre Court on Monday. With Kyrgios`s bad-tempered Court One victory over fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas still the talk of the town, the Australian was on his best behaviour in front of the Royal Box as he ground out a 4-6 6-4 7-6(2) 3-6 6-2 win. Unseeded Chilean Cristian Garin awaits in the last eight after edging out Kyrgios`s compatriot Alex De Minaur, offering Kyrgios a golden opportunity to surpass his quarter-final run at Wimbledon on his debut in 2014 when he stunned Rafa Nadal. After the mayhem and toxic atmosphere of Saturday, when Kyrgios was accused by Tsitsipas of being a bully, he let his tennis do the talking against the 20-year-old Nakashima, barely uttering a word in anger throughout a contest that contained few of the fireworks usually associated with the Australian. While his tennis did not reach the heights he managed against Tsitsipas and at times he struggled physically, Kyrgios still struck 61 winners, 31 of which were aces. "It wasn`t near my best performance, level wise, but I`m just super, super happy to get through," Kyrgios, who has now won 11 of 14 five-set matches, said on court. "I`ve never lost a fifth set here. Honestly, that`s what I was thinking about. I was like, I`ve been here before I`ve done it before and I came through again." Asked about facing Garin, he said: "I`m not going to think about that. I`m going to need a glass of wine tonight for sure." Kyrgios entertained the capacity crowd with some tweeners in the warm-up and even practised some under-arm serves. Also Read: Tsitsipas calls Kyrgios a 'bully' after feud during Wimbledon 2022 clash, Aussie responds But they were few and far between in a three-hour 10-minute match that was absorbing rather than exciting. If anything the world number 40 looked subdued in the opening set and appeared to be bothered by a stiff shoulder. Two lazy forehand errors at 4-5 gifted Nakashima the opening set as Kyrgios, whose last Grand Slam quarter-final saw him lose to Andy Murray at the 2015 Australian Open, looked in danger of an anti-climactic exit. But he broke serve for 2-1 in the second set and, after having treatment on his shoulder at the changeover, gradually cranked up the power gauge to level the match. Nakashima`s focus was total though as the American kept his nose in front in the third set and his no-nonsense approach brought him to within two points of taking the set when Kyrgios again served at 4-5. This time Kyrgios blasted his way out of trouble and, after another love service hold to get into a tiebreak, he turned on the style, hitting two scorching winners, one on each wing, to move within one set of victory. Also Read: Wimbledon, LTA appeal against WTA fines for exclusion of Russian players Nothing is ever quite what it seems though with Kyrgios on court and just when he looked in control he suddenly went off the boil and dropped serve twice in succession as Nakashima took it into a decider. At that stage, with Kyrgios finally starting to chunter to his box, Nakashima looked a good bet to become the youngest American man to reach the last eight here since Andy Roddick, also 20, managed it in 2003. Kyrgios held from 0-30 to make it 1-1 and then flicked the switch, breaking twice as he raced away towards victory, sealing it with a silky volley.

Wimbledon 2022: Calm Nick Kyrgios beats Brandon Nakashima Nakashima to reach quarter-final

Australian maverick Nick Kyrgios knocked out fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in a wild and wonderful Wimbledon third-round slugfest that threatened to spiral out of control on Saturday. The 27-year-old Kyrgios produced sublime tennis to earn a 6-7(2) 6-4 6-3 7-6(7) victory but the match will be remembered chiefly as one of the most bad-tempered seen at Wimbledon since the days of American bad boy John McEnroe.

The eagerly-awaited Court One clash was the hottest ticket in town, even with Rafa Nadal playing over on Centre Court. It did not disappoint either, with scintillating tennis producing 118 clean winners and mayhem as both players lost their heads and received warnings.

With the lights on and a deafening atmosphere, it was the unseeded Kyrgios who emerged from the chaos with one of his finest Grand Slam victories, edging a nerve-jangling fourth-set tiebreak after saving a set point. Kyrgios claimed victory with a drop shot and he will enter the last 16 for the fourth time, the first since 2016, with serious title aspirations.

Next in his sights is unseeded American Brandon Nakashima. For most of a high-octane first set it was the quality of tennis from both players that held sway. Kyrgios was his usual chuntering self but lost his temper with umpire Damien Dumusois after an overruled line call at 5-5 in the first set as he threatened a service break.

Tsitsipas remained focused to win the tiebreak and had a huge chance to seize control at 4-4 in the second set when Kyrgios let slip a 40-0 lead with two careless drop shots, but saved a break point with a second-serve ace.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/american-teenage-sensation-coco-gauff-bows-out-of-wimbledon-2022-after-defeat-against-amanda-anisimova-493934">Coco Gauff bows out of Wimbledon 2022 after defeat against Amanda Anisimova</a>

<h2>Both players given&nbsp;warnings:</h2>

The fireworks really began in the next game. First Kyrgios was warned for an audible obscenity after being reported by a line judge, then he responded to break the Tsitsipas serve and steal the second set after the Greek failed to put away a smash with the court gaping.

Tsitsipas snapped, whacking a ball that narrowly missed the head of a fan and earning a warning. Kyrgios ranted that Tsitsipas should have been defaulted, called the umpire "a disgrace" and demanded to talk to a supervisor.

"Give me all the supervisors. I`m not playing until we get to the bottom of it," an irate Kyrgios said while Tsitsipas went off for a toilet break. On his return, the Greek booed as he became the unwitting villain in the Kyrgios pantomime.

Also Read:&nbsp; <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-2022-world-no1-iga-swiatek-bows-out-after-being-stunned-by-alize-cornet-in-3rd-round-493977">World no.1 Iga Swiatek bows out of&nbsp;Wimbledon 2022&nbsp;after being stunned by Alize Cornet in 3rd round</a>

Rattled, Tsitsipas dropped serve early in the third set, then received a point penalty for launching a wild return off a Kyrgios underarm serve -- the ball thudding into the scoreboard. With his blood boiling, Tsitsipas drilled a close-range smash straight at Kyrgios in the next game, missing him and the court as the atmosphere turned toxic. He then had another go, this time clubbing a backhand straight at Kyrgios.

Serving sensationally, Kyrgios wrapped up the third set with a sublime reflex volley. Kyrgios, who was fined $10,000 for spitting towards a fan after his first-round win, had three break points in the first game of the fourth but, as if there was not already enough drama, slipped awkwardly and grimaced as he clutched his hip.

Tsitsipas wriggled out of trouble and with Kyrgios showing no ill effects the temperature lowered slightly. Kyrgios curled an audacious forehand to earn break points at 3-3 but Tsitsipas held firm and roared in defiance.

With gloom descending, Tsitsipas had 0-40 in the next game but Kyrgios served his way out of trouble to level before a short break for the roof to be closed and lights switched on -- allowing the crowd a welcome chance to draw breath.

On the resumption, Kyrgios saved one set point with a searing backhand winner and another in the tiebreak with an audacious half-volley drop shot. Another drop shot got the job done on his second match point and Kyrgios celebrated wildly, before a brief handshake at the net after three hours and 17 minutes of sporting theatre.

Australian maverick Nick Kyrgios knocked out fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in a wild and wonderful Wimbledon third-round slugfest that threatened to spiral out of control on Saturday.

Australian maverick Nick Kyrgios knocked out fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in a wild and wonderful Wimbledon third-round slugfest that threatened to spiral out of control on Saturday. The 27-year-old Kyrgios produced sublime tennis to earn a 6-7(2) 6-4 6-3 7-6(7) victory but the match will be remembered chiefly as one of the most bad-tempered seen at Wimbledon since the days of American bad boy John McEnroe. The eagerly-awaited Court One clash was the hottest ticket in town, even with Rafa Nadal playing over on Centre Court. It did not disappoint either, with scintillating tennis producing 118 clean winners and mayhem as both players lost their heads and received warnings. With the lights on and a deafening atmosphere, it was the unseeded Kyrgios who emerged from the chaos with one of his finest Grand Slam victories, edging a nerve-jangling fourth-set tiebreak after saving a set point. Kyrgios claimed victory with a drop shot and he will enter the last 16 for the fourth time, the first since 2016, with serious title aspirations. Next in his sights is unseeded American Brandon Nakashima. For most of a high-octane first set it was the quality of tennis from both players that held sway. Kyrgios was his usual chuntering self but lost his temper with umpire Damien Dumusois after an overruled line call at 5-5 in the first set as he threatened a service break. Tsitsipas remained focused to win the tiebreak and had a huge chance to seize control at 4-4 in the second set when Kyrgios let slip a 40-0 lead with two careless drop shots, but saved a break point with a second-serve ace. Also Read: Coco Gauff bows out of Wimbledon 2022 after defeat against Amanda Anisimova Both players given warnings: The fireworks really began in the next game. First Kyrgios was warned for an audible obscenity after being reported by a line judge, then he responded to break the Tsitsipas serve and steal the second set after the Greek failed to put away a smash with the court gaping. Tsitsipas snapped, whacking a ball that narrowly missed the head of a fan and earning a warning. Kyrgios ranted that Tsitsipas should have been defaulted, called the umpire "a disgrace" and demanded to talk to a supervisor. "Give me all the supervisors. I`m not playing until we get to the bottom of it," an irate Kyrgios said while Tsitsipas went off for a toilet break. On his return, the Greek booed as he became the unwitting villain in the Kyrgios pantomime. Also Read: World no.1 Iga Swiatek bows out of Wimbledon 2022 after being stunned by Alize Cornet in 3rd round Rattled, Tsitsipas dropped serve early in the third set, then received a point penalty for launching a wild return off a Kyrgios underarm serve -- the ball thudding into the scoreboard. With his blood boiling, Tsitsipas drilled a close-range smash straight at Kyrgios in the next game, missing him and the court as the atmosphere turned toxic. He then had another go, this time clubbing a backhand straight at Kyrgios. Serving sensationally, Kyrgios wrapped up the third set with a sublime reflex volley. Kyrgios, who was fined $10,000 for spitting towards a fan after his first-round win, had three break points in the first game of the fourth but, as if there was not already enough drama, slipped awkwardly and grimaced as he clutched his hip. Tsitsipas wriggled out of trouble and with Kyrgios showing no ill effects the temperature lowered slightly. Kyrgios curled an audacious forehand to earn break points at 3-3 but Tsitsipas held firm and roared in defiance. With gloom descending, Tsitsipas had 0-40 in the next game but Kyrgios served his way out of trouble to level before a short break for the roof to be closed and lights switched on -- allowing the crowd a welcome chance to draw breath. On the resumption, Kyrgios saved one set point with a searing backhand winner and another in the tiebreak with an audacious half-volley drop shot. Another drop shot got the job done on his second match point and Kyrgios celebrated wildly, before a brief handshake at the net after three hours and 17 minutes of sporting theatre.

Wimbledon 2022: Tempers boil as Nick Kyrgios stuns fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in dramatic clash

Nick Kyrgios and Stefanos Tsitsipas were involved in an ugly feud during the third-round clash between the duo at Wimbledon 2022 on Saturday (July 2). It was an intense duel between the two as tempers flared both on and off the court. Kyrgios got the better of 4th seed Tsitsipas 6-7(2) 6-4 6-3 7-6(7) in a gruelling encounter that lasted over three hours and was marred with controversy.

The tension between the duo started on the court after Kyrgios continuously complained to the match umpire and was also warned for swearing. Tsitsipas, who later called Kyrgios a 'bully', also lost his cool during the game and tried to hit the Australian star with a wild smash.

The incident happened during the third set between the duo when Tsitsipas delivered a hard smash towards Kyrgios trying to hit him with it. The Australian ignored Tsitsipas' attempts but the two were spotted exchanging words after the incident. Tsitsipas later admitted it was a deliberate attempt from him to hit Kyrgios.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/stefano-tsitsipas-calls-nick-kyrgios-a-bully-after-feud-during-wimbledon-2022-clash-aussie-responds-494045">Stefanos Tsitsipas calls Nick Kyrgios a 'bully' after feud during Wimbledon 2022 clash, Aussie responds</a> 
&nbsp;

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— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) <a href="https://twitter.com/ActionNetworkHQ/status/1543311032315256837?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, during the second set, Tsitsipas couldn't control his frustration after continuous exchanges with Kyrgios and whacked a ball at the crowd in anger. The ball stormed towards the spectators but luckily no one was hit by it. Following his actions, Kyrgios demanded a default against his opponent but Tsitsipas was instead handed a code violation.

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Fight night at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wimbledon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wimbledon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kyrgios?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kyrgios</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tsitsipas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tsitsipas</a>. Takes me back to to the Ilie Năstase era. <a href="https://t.co/clYxgJDFfF">pic.twitter.com/clYxgJDFfF</a>
— Chris Raynor (@1950two) <a href="https://twitter.com/1950two/status/1543327425291063297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-2022-tempers-boil-as-nick-kyrgios-stuns-fourth-seed-stefanos-tsitsipas-in-dramatic-clash-493980">Wimbledon 2022 - Tempers boil as Nick Kyrgios stuns fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in dramatic clash</a>

The feud between Kyrgios and Tsitsipas didn't end on the court and continued off it as the Greek world no.4 went on to label the Australian a 'bully' for his actions. Tsitsipas also said Kyrgios has an 'evil side' to his character.

"Yeah, it's constant bullying, that's what he does. He bullies opponents. He was probably a bully at school himself. I don't like bullies," Tsitsipas said at the post-match media conference.

"I don't like people that put other people down. He has some good traits in his character, as well. But he also has a very evil side to him, which if it's exposed, it can really do a lot of harm and bad to the people around him," he added.

&nbsp;

Nick Kyrgios and Stefanos Tsitsipas were involved in an ugly feud during the third-round clash between the duo at Wimbledon 2022 on Saturday (July 2). It was an intense duel between the two as tempers flared both on and off the court.

Nick Kyrgios and Stefanos Tsitsipas were involved in an ugly feud during the third-round clash between the duo at Wimbledon 2022 on Saturday (July 2). It was an intense duel between the two as tempers flared both on and off the court. Kyrgios got the better of 4th seed Tsitsipas 6-7(2) 6-4 6-3 7-6(7) in a gruelling encounter that lasted over three hours and was marred with controversy. The tension between the duo started on the court after Kyrgios continuously complained to the match umpire and was also warned for swearing. Tsitsipas, who later called Kyrgios a 'bully', also lost his cool during the game and tried to hit the Australian star with a wild smash. The incident happened during the third set between the duo when Tsitsipas delivered a hard smash towards Kyrgios trying to hit him with it. The Australian ignored Tsitsipas' attempts but the two were spotted exchanging words after the incident. Tsitsipas later admitted it was a deliberate attempt from him to hit Kyrgios. Also Read: Stefanos Tsitsipas calls Nick Kyrgios a 'bully' after feud during Wimbledon 2022 clash, Aussie responds Watch video: Things are getting heated in the Kyrgios-Tsitsipas match at Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/F1H0l3SU2Y — Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) July 2, 2022 × Earlier, during the second set, Tsitsipas couldn't control his frustration after continuous exchanges with Kyrgios and whacked a ball at the crowd in anger. The ball stormed towards the spectators but luckily no one was hit by it. Following his actions, Kyrgios demanded a default against his opponent but Tsitsipas was instead handed a code violation. Watch video: Fight night at #Wimbledon #Kyrgios #Tsitsipas. Takes me back to to the Ilie Năstase era. pic.twitter.com/clYxgJDFfF — Chris Raynor (@1950two) July 2, 2022 × Also Read: Wimbledon 2022 - Tempers boil as Nick Kyrgios stuns fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in dramatic clash The feud between Kyrgios and Tsitsipas didn't end on the court and continued off it as the Greek world no.4 went on to label the Australian a 'bully' for his actions. Tsitsipas also said Kyrgios has an 'evil side' to his character. "Yeah, it's constant bullying, that's what he does. He bullies opponents. He was probably a bully at school himself. I don't like bullies," Tsitsipas said at the post-match media conference. "I don't like people that put other people down. He has some good traits in his character, as well. But he also has a very evil side to him, which if it's exposed, it can really do a lot of harm and bad to the people around him," he added.

WATCH: Angry Stefanos Tsitsipas tries to hit Nick Kyrgios with wild smash, nearly hits a fan too

Nick Kyrgios and Stefanos Tsitsipas were involved in a heated clash during their third-round match at the ongoing Wimbledon 2022 on Saturday (July 02). It was a game marred with controversies and Kyrgios and Tsitsipas lost their cool against each other during the tense encounter. Greek fourth seed &nbsp;Tsitsipas went on to label Australian Kyrgios a 'bully' following his defeat against him and said the Aussie had an 'evil side' to his character.

There were more than three incidents that took place during the bad-tempered match between the duo as both players expressed their frustration on and off the court. Kyrgios defeated Tsitsipas 6-7(2) 6-4 6-3 7-6(7) in the game which lasted over three hours. Kyrgios was first warned for swearing by the referee before his 'constant bullying' forced Tsitsipas to try and hit him with a smash.

The Greek 4th seed didn't stop there and went on to express his anger on the court later by whacking a ball towards the crowd. The ball almost hit a fan in the stands and could have led to Tsitsipas being defaulted. His actions also saw the crowd present at Court One boo the world no.4.

The feud between Tsitsipas and Kyrgios continued post the game as they made jibes at each other during the post-match media conference. Tsitsipas was seemingly annoyed as he called out Kyrgios for bullying him and said the Australian had an evil side to him which can land him in trouble if exposed.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-2022-tempers-boil-as-nick-kyrgios-stuns-fourth-seed-stefanos-tsitsipas-in-dramatic-clash-493980">Wimbledon 2022 - Tempers boil as Nick Kyrgios stuns fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in dramatic clash</a>

"Yeah, it's constant bullying, that's what he does. He bullies opponents. He was probably a bully at school himself. I don't like bullies. I don't like people that put other people down. He has some good traits in his character, as well. But he also has a very evil side to him, which if it`s exposed, it can really do a lot of harm and bad to the people around him," Tsitsipas said at the post-match presser.

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Kyrgios, who is known for his controversial antics on and off the pitch, laughed off Tsitsipas'&nbsp;comments against him and refuted the allegations of bullying. Kyrgios, who was fined $10,000 for spitting at a fan during his first-round match at the ongoing Wimbledon 2022, said Tsitsipas'&nbsp;comments prove he is 'just soft' and isn't a true competitor.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-2022-world-no1-iga-swiatek-bows-out-after-being-stunned-by-alize-cornet-in-3rd-round-493977">World no.1 Iga Swiatek bows out after being stunned by Alize Cornet in Wimbledon 3rd round</a>

"I don't know what to say. I'm not sure how I bullied him. He was the one hitting balls at me, he was the one that hit a spectator, he was the one that smacked it out of the stadium," said Kyrgios, who is in the last 16 for the fourth time," Kyrgios said responding to Tsitsipas.

"I did nothing towards Stefanos today that was disrespectful. I was not drilling him with balls. To come in here and say I bullied him, that`s just soft. We're not cut from the same cloth. I go up against guys who are true competitors. I've got many friends in the locker room, just to let you know. I'm actually one of the most liked. I`m set. He's not liked. Let`s just put that there," he added. 
&nbsp;

Nick Kyrgios and Stefanos Tsitsipas were involved in a heated clash during their third-round match at the ongoing Wimbledon 2022 on Saturday (July 02). It was a game marred with controversies and Kyrgios and Tsitsipas lost their cool against each other during the tense encounter.

Nick Kyrgios and Stefanos Tsitsipas were involved in a heated clash during their third-round match at the ongoing Wimbledon 2022 on Saturday (July 02). It was a game marred with controversies and Kyrgios and Tsitsipas lost their cool against each other during the tense encounter. Greek fourth seed Tsitsipas went on to label Australian Kyrgios a 'bully' following his defeat against him and said the Aussie had an 'evil side' to his character. There were more than three incidents that took place during the bad-tempered match between the duo as both players expressed their frustration on and off the court. Kyrgios defeated Tsitsipas 6-7(2) 6-4 6-3 7-6(7) in the game which lasted over three hours. Kyrgios was first warned for swearing by the referee before his 'constant bullying' forced Tsitsipas to try and hit him with a smash. The Greek 4th seed didn't stop there and went on to express his anger on the court later by whacking a ball towards the crowd. The ball almost hit a fan in the stands and could have led to Tsitsipas being defaulted. His actions also saw the crowd present at Court One boo the world no.4. The feud between Tsitsipas and Kyrgios continued post the game as they made jibes at each other during the post-match media conference. Tsitsipas was seemingly annoyed as he called out Kyrgios for bullying him and said the Australian had an evil side to him which can land him in trouble if exposed. Also Read: Wimbledon 2022 - Tempers boil as Nick Kyrgios stuns fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in dramatic clash "Yeah, it's constant bullying, that's what he does. He bullies opponents. He was probably a bully at school himself. I don't like bullies. I don't like people that put other people down. He has some good traits in his character, as well. But he also has a very evil side to him, which if it`s exposed, it can really do a lot of harm and bad to the people around him," Tsitsipas said at the post-match presser. Things are getting heated in the Kyrgios-Tsitsipas match at Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/F1H0l3SU2Y — Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) July 2, 2022 × Kyrgios, who is known for his controversial antics on and off the pitch, laughed off Tsitsipas' comments against him and refuted the allegations of bullying. Kyrgios, who was fined $10,000 for spitting at a fan during his first-round match at the ongoing Wimbledon 2022, said Tsitsipas' comments prove he is 'just soft' and isn't a true competitor. Also Read: World no.1 Iga Swiatek bows out after being stunned by Alize Cornet in Wimbledon 3rd round "I don't know what to say. I'm not sure how I bullied him. He was the one hitting balls at me, he was the one that hit a spectator, he was the one that smacked it out of the stadium," said Kyrgios, who is in the last 16 for the fourth time," Kyrgios said responding to Tsitsipas. "I did nothing towards Stefanos today that was disrespectful. I was not drilling him with balls. To come in here and say I bullied him, that`s just soft. We're not cut from the same cloth. I go up against guys who are true competitors. I've got many friends in the locker room, just to let you know. I'm actually one of the most liked. I`m set. He's not liked. Let`s just put that there," he added.

Stefanos Tsitsipas calls Nick Kyrgios a 'bully' after feud during Wimbledon 2022 clash, Aussie responds

Fourth seed Stefanos&nbsp;Tsitsipas&nbsp;set up a blockbuster Wimbledon third-round clash against Nick Kyrgios on Thursday. Tsitsipas&nbsp;defeated Australia's Jordan Thompson 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 to make the last 32 for the second time.

Kyrgios earlier pulled off an impressive 6-2, 6-3, 6-1 win over Serbian 26th seed Filip Krajinovic to make the last 32 for the sixth time. Australian star Kyrgios leads&nbsp;Tsitsipas&nbsp;3-1 including a victory on grass in Halle earlier this month.

"I feel like everyone here knows who Nick is," said&nbsp;Tsitsipas. "We have had many great matches against each other. I respect him for his game and the way he fights when he wants to."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sania-mirza-lucie-hradecka-face-1st-round-exit-in-indian-stars-last-wimbledon-493312">Sania Mirza, Lucie Hradecka face 1st round exit in Indian star's last Wimbledon</a>

More Wimbledon results on Thursday on the fourth day of the 2022 championships at the All England Club (x denotes seeded player) are as follows:

Men

2nd rd

Christian Garín (CHI) bt Hugo Grenier (FRA) 6-3, 6-1, 6-1

Daniel Galan (COL) bt Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP x17) - walkover

Nick Kyrgios (AUS) bt Filip Krajinovic (SRB x26) 6-2, 6-3, 6-1

Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE x4) bt Jordan Thompson (AUS) 6-2, 6-3, 7-5

Alex Molcan (SVK) bt Marcos Giron (USA) 6-3, 6-2, 6-4

Taylor Fritz (USA x11) bt Alastair Gray (GBR) 6-3, 7-6 (7/3), 6-3

Richard Gasquet (FRA) bt Mackenzie McDonald (USA) 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3

Botic van de Zandschulp (NED x21) bt Emil Ruusuvuori (FIN) 3-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-4

Lorenzo Sonego (ITA x27) bt Hugo Gaston (FRA) 7-6 (7/4), 6-4, 6-4

Women

2nd rd

Alize Cornet (FRA) bt Claire Liu (USA) 6-3, 6-3

Ajla Tomljanovic (AUS) bt Catherine Harrison (USA) 6-2, 6-2

Barbora Krejcikova (CZE x13) bt Viktorija Golubic (SUI) 6-3, 6-4

Zheng Qinwen (CHN) bt Greet Minnen (BEL) 6-4, 6-1

Elena Rybakina (KAZ x17) bt Bianca Andreescu (CAN) 6-4, 7-6 (7/5)

Paula Badosa (ESP x4) bt Irina Bara (ROM) 6-3, 6-2

Petra Kvitova (CZE x25) bt Ana Bogdan (ROM) 6-1, 7-6 (7/5)

Harmony Tan (FRA) bt Sara Sorribes Tormo (ESP x32) 6-3, 6-4

Katie Boulter (GBR) bt Karolína&nbsp;Pliskova&nbsp;(CZE x6) 3-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-4

Elise Mertens (BEL x24) bt Panna Udvardy (HUN) 3-6, 7-6 (7/5), 7-5

Heather Watson (GBR) bt Wang Qiang (CHN) 7-5, 6-4

Fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas set up a blockbuster Wimbledon third-round clash against Nick Kyrgios on Thursday. Tsitsipas defeated Australia's Jordan Thompson 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 to make the last 32 for the second time.

Fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas set up a blockbuster Wimbledon third-round clash against Nick Kyrgios on Thursday. Tsitsipas defeated Australia's Jordan Thompson 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 to make the last 32 for the second time. Kyrgios earlier pulled off an impressive 6-2, 6-3, 6-1 win over Serbian 26th seed Filip Krajinovic to make the last 32 for the sixth time. Australian star Kyrgios leads Tsitsipas 3-1 including a victory on grass in Halle earlier this month. "I feel like everyone here knows who Nick is," said Tsitsipas. "We have had many great matches against each other. I respect him for his game and the way he fights when he wants to." ALSO READ | Sania Mirza, Lucie Hradecka face 1st round exit in Indian star's last Wimbledon More Wimbledon results on Thursday on the fourth day of the 2022 championships at the All England Club (x denotes seeded player) are as follows: Men 2nd rd Christian Garín (CHI) bt Hugo Grenier (FRA) 6-3, 6-1, 6-1 Daniel Galan (COL) bt Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP x17) - walkover Nick Kyrgios (AUS) bt Filip Krajinovic (SRB x26) 6-2, 6-3, 6-1 Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE x4) bt Jordan Thompson (AUS) 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 Alex Molcan (SVK) bt Marcos Giron (USA) 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 Taylor Fritz (USA x11) bt Alastair Gray (GBR) 6-3, 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 Richard Gasquet (FRA) bt Mackenzie McDonald (USA) 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 Botic van de Zandschulp (NED x21) bt Emil Ruusuvuori (FIN) 3-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 Lorenzo Sonego (ITA x27) bt Hugo Gaston (FRA) 7-6 (7/4), 6-4, 6-4 Women 2nd rd Alize Cornet (FRA) bt Claire Liu (USA) 6-3, 6-3 Ajla Tomljanovic (AUS) bt Catherine Harrison (USA) 6-2, 6-2 Barbora Krejcikova (CZE x13) bt Viktorija Golubic (SUI) 6-3, 6-4 Zheng Qinwen (CHN) bt Greet Minnen (BEL) 6-4, 6-1 Elena Rybakina (KAZ x17) bt Bianca Andreescu (CAN) 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) Paula Badosa (ESP x4) bt Irina Bara (ROM) 6-3, 6-2 Petra Kvitova (CZE x25) bt Ana Bogdan (ROM) 6-1, 7-6 (7/5) Harmony Tan (FRA) bt Sara Sorribes Tormo (ESP x32) 6-3, 6-4 Katie Boulter (GBR) bt Karolína Pliskova (CZE x6) 3-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-4 Elise Mertens (BEL x24) bt Panna Udvardy (HUN) 3-6, 7-6 (7/5), 7-5 Heather Watson (GBR) bt Wang Qiang (CHN) 7-5, 6-4

Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas set to face Nick Kyrgios for Wimbledon last-16 place

Nick Kyrgios always makes heads turn when he is on the court. During his opening match at Wimbledon 2022, on Tuesday (June 28), Kyrgios was up against British star&nbsp;Paul Jubb when&nbsp;a huge controversy erupted as the Australian accused the 'racial slurs' and even ranted at the umpire about it.&nbsp;

In the middle of the match against Jubb, Kyrgios suddenly stopped proceedings&nbsp;after he was visibly upset and smashed the ball out of the court after a broken serve in the opening set,&nbsp;which he eventually conceded 3-6 to Jubb. The 27-year-old&nbsp;then slammed&nbsp;the linesman and even went ahead by calling him a 'snitch'. While he was fined for his&nbsp;action,&nbsp;Kyrgios ranted at the umpire and accused the crowd of&nbsp;hurling racial abuses at him.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-2022-iga-swiatek-nick-kyrgios-and-coco-gauff-proceed-ahead-492692">Wimbledon 2022: Iga Swiatek, Nick Kyrgios and Coco Gauff proceed ahead</a>

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Kyrgios giving it the full kyrgios today 
 
You love to see it you really do 🤣 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wimbledon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wimbledon</a> <a href="https://t.co/kO1OSNQKQ6">pic.twitter.com/kO1OSNQKQ6</a>
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During his complain, he told the umpire Marija Cicak,&nbsp;"You have to tell them. They're spectators. They don't have any right to do that. They're spectators who spend money to come watch us play. They should be removed," the Australian tennis player opined.

It didn't stop there itself. Kyrgios added that such a behaviour from the crowd is unacceptable and questioned the umpire. The youngster further mentioned that he would've reacted in a similar manner had his opponent Jubb being subjected to racial abuse.&nbsp;"So pure disrespect from a spectator to an athlete is acceptable at Wimbledon? But you don't accept a hat with two logos? When's the line? That's acceptable, racism is acceptable so when does it stop? So where's the line? It's been happening for years. If they were making racial slurs to him [Jubb] I would say the same thing," Kyrgios&nbsp;said.

The Aussie had accused of racial abuse even during the&nbsp;Stuttgart Open, held early this month, when he was up against Great Britian's Andy Murray. Talking about his opening tie in Wimbledon today, he defeated Jubb&nbsp;3-6 6-1 7-5 6-7(3) 7-5 to proceed ahead in the showpiece event.&nbsp;

Nick Kyrgios always makes heads turn when he is on the court. During his opening match at Wimbledon 2022, on Tuesday (June 28), Kyrgios was up against British star Paul Jubb when a huge controversy erupted as the Australian accused the 'racial slurs' and even ranted at the umpire about it.

Nick Kyrgios always makes heads turn when he is on the court. During his opening match at Wimbledon 2022, on Tuesday (June 28), Kyrgios was up against British star Paul Jubb when a huge controversy erupted as the Australian accused the 'racial slurs' and even ranted at the umpire about it. In the middle of the match against Jubb, Kyrgios suddenly stopped proceedings after he was visibly upset and smashed the ball out of the court after a broken serve in the opening set, which he eventually conceded 3-6 to Jubb. The 27-year-old then slammed the linesman and even went ahead by calling him a 'snitch'. While he was fined for his action, Kyrgios ranted at the umpire and accused the crowd of hurling racial abuses at him. ALSO READ | Wimbledon 2022: Iga Swiatek, Nick Kyrgios and Coco Gauff proceed ahead Kyrgios giving it the full kyrgios today You love to see it you really do 🤣 #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/kO1OSNQKQ6 — benslife (@benslife1) June 28, 2022 × During his complain, he told the umpire Marija Cicak, "You have to tell them. They're spectators. They don't have any right to do that. They're spectators who spend money to come watch us play. They should be removed," the Australian tennis player opined. It didn't stop there itself. Kyrgios added that such a behaviour from the crowd is unacceptable and questioned the umpire. The youngster further mentioned that he would've reacted in a similar manner had his opponent Jubb being subjected to racial abuse. "So pure disrespect from a spectator to an athlete is acceptable at Wimbledon? But you don't accept a hat with two logos? When's the line? That's acceptable, racism is acceptable so when does it stop? So where's the line? It's been happening for years. If they were making racial slurs to him [Jubb] I would say the same thing," Kyrgios said. The Aussie had accused of racial abuse even during the Stuttgart Open, held early this month, when he was up against Great Britian's Andy Murray. Talking about his opening tie in Wimbledon today, he defeated Jubb 3-6 6-1 7-5 6-7(3) 7-5 to proceed ahead in the showpiece event.

WATCH: Controversy erupts! Kyrgios accuses crowd of 'racial slurs', rants at umpire in R1 of Wimbledon

World number one Iga Swiatek recovered from a dip in her level in the second set to see off Croatian qualifier Jana Fett 6-0 6-3 in the Wimbledon first round on Tuesday and extend her winning run to 36 matches. The 2018 junior champion, who exited the grasscourt Grand Slam in the fourth round last year, had the honour of opening the second day`s play on Centre Court in the absence of the retired Ash Barty who won the 2021 title.

Playing her first match since winning a second French Open title this month, Poland`s Swiatek powered through the opening set without losing a game -- registering a 6-0 set for the 17th time this year -- despite a stiff breeze swirling through the main show court. A litany of unforced errors, including a double fault, however, led to Swiatek dropping serve at the start of the second set, allowing the 25-year-old Fett, ranked 252nd in the world, to get on the scoreboard.

Swiatek, who played with a ribbon in Ukrainian colours pinned to her cap as she did during her Roland Garros campaign, broke back immediately -- only to hand back the advantage in her next service game. 
The Pole`s struggles with her delivery continued as she had to save five break points to hold serve for the first time in the second set to get to 2-3 and stay in touch with Fett. The hold seemed to spur on Swiatek and she won five games in a row to become the first women`s player in the 21st century to win 36 consecutive matches.

She will meet British wildcard Sonay Kartal or Dutch lucky loser Lesley Pattinama Kerkhove for a place in the third round. "It`s my first match on grass this season so I knew it`s going to be tricky," said the 21-year-old. "At the beginning of the second set I lost my focus little bit and she used that pretty well. 
"I am pretty happy that I came back and I could finish in two sets. I am just figuring out how to play here and trying to implement all the stuff we were practising. It`s pretty exciting, a new experience for me."

***

Feisty Australian Nick Kyrgios came through a five-set first-round Wimbledon thriller against British wildcard Paul Jubb on Tuesday as his fearsome serve, including 30 aces, eventually overpowered the 22-year-old 3-6 6-1 7-5 6-7(3) 7-5. It was an unexpectedly testing examination for Kyrgios as the British outsider kept his cool in the face of the Australian`s usual verbal antics, but fell just short.

"It was tough, he had nothing to lose and he played exceptional tennis at times," Kyrgios said. "He`s going to be a good player for sure, I`m just happy to get through. "Playing here is a lot of fun. I talk a lot on the court but off the court I`m not too bad."

Kyrgios looked pretty flat in losing the opening set to a player whose career highlight was winning the U.S. NCAA college title in 2019, and in his frustration he hammered a ball high and out of Court Three. 
Kyrgios is a player the word "chuntering" was invented for as he seems to need to keep up a running monologue to get himself motivated. He took great offence at a single fan uttering an almost polite boo, complaining to the umpire "You don`t accept a hat with two logos on but you accept disrespect of an athlete?".

Kyrgios then complained about a line judge "reporting him" to the umpire. "Not one person has come here today to hear her speak," he said.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/last-years-finalist-matteo-berrettini-pulls-out-of-wimbledon-2022-after-testing-positive-for-covid-19-492612">Last year's finalist Matteo Berrettini pulls out of Wimbledon 2022 after testing positive for COVID-19</a>

The chat appeared to energise him as he began to find his range in a strong second set but Jubb refused to lie down, being edged out in the third and going toe to toe to take the fourth on the back of a strong tiebreak. The Briton, in only his second Wimbledon appearance having lost in the first round three years ago, was ice-cool in ignoring any potential distraction from Kyrgios’s running commentary, which included another extended whinge over a non-signalled net cord in the tiebreak.

It is now eight years since Kyrgios stunned then world number one Rafa Nadal to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals but he has never matched that since and has reached only one other Grand Slam quarter – in Australia in 2015. The 27-year-old has slipped to world number 40 but his serve remains out of the top drawer, demonstrated when he ripped through the third game of the deciding set to love in 43 seconds before breaking Jubb.

When serving for the set, however, Kyrgios stood back to admire a drop shot, only to be left stranded when Jubb brilliantly ran it down en route to his own break back. Jubb then failed to convert a break point and, serving to take the match to a decisive tiebreak, leaked a couple of shots wide to help Kyrgios secure victory.

***

Coco Gauff made sure she was not thrown off course by the noisy racket created by Nick Kyrgios in a nearby court or by the fact she managed to convert only four of 25 break points as she reached the Wimbledon second round on Tuesday. With Australian hot-head Kyrgios up to his usual antics, yelling at the umpire and involved in heated exchanges with other officials during his first-round match, the commotion from Court Three might have distracted Gauff as she lost the opening seven points to Elena-Gabriela Ruse. 
But despite the inauspicious start, and her growing frustration in failing to convert so many break points, the 11th seed hung tough for 2-1/2 hours to seal a place in round two with a 2-6 6-3 7-5 win over the little-known Romanian.

"Both of us gave our heart on court today," a beaming Gauff told the crowd after celebrating her win by thumping her chest with a clenched fist. "Court Two is a really, really nice court and I like that it`s intimate as you can hear every gasp and every cheer and I like that. "First round is always tough for me as it`s the most nerve racking... but if I lose I know it`s not the end of the world."

The 18-year-old American is the youngest player in the singles draw and after her runner-up finish at the French Open this month, many are tipping her to go all the way at the All England Club. However, when she lost the opening seven points against Ruse, including surrendering her serve to love, her father and coach Corey could be seen frowning on a sun-soaked Court Two.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ukraines-anhelina-kalinina-will-use-wimbledon-prize-money-to-rebuild-parents-home-after-it-was-bombed-492518">Ukraine's Anhelina Kalinina will use Wimbledon prize money to rebuild parents' home after it was bombed</a>

When Gauff went on to earn and lose four break points in Ruse`s opening service game, it set the tone for a frustrating afternoon for her family. The popular teenager, who captured the world`s attention when she made it to the Wimbledon fourth round as a 15-year-old school girl in 2019, finally got a foothold in the match when she broke for a 4-2 lead in the second set before levelling at one set all. The 24-year-old Ruse fought back from 3-1 down in the final set to level at 3-3 but Gauff clung on despite continuing to misfire on break points.

She needed six of them to break Ruse`s resolve in the 11th game of the decider and secured victory when her opponent whipped a forehand wide. She will next face Romanian Mihaela Buzarnescu.

World number one Iga Swiatek recovered from a dip in her level in the second set to see off Croatian qualifier Jana Fett 6-0 6-3 in the Wimbledon first round on Tuesday and extend her winning run to 36 matches.

World number one Iga Swiatek recovered from a dip in her level in the second set to see off Croatian qualifier Jana Fett 6-0 6-3 in the Wimbledon first round on Tuesday and extend her winning run to 36 matches. The 2018 junior champion, who exited the grasscourt Grand Slam in the fourth round last year, had the honour of opening the second day`s play on Centre Court in the absence of the retired Ash Barty who won the 2021 title. Playing her first match since winning a second French Open title this month, Poland`s Swiatek powered through the opening set without losing a game -- registering a 6-0 set for the 17th time this year -- despite a stiff breeze swirling through the main show court. A litany of unforced errors, including a double fault, however, led to Swiatek dropping serve at the start of the second set, allowing the 25-year-old Fett, ranked 252nd in the world, to get on the scoreboard. Swiatek, who played with a ribbon in Ukrainian colours pinned to her cap as she did during her Roland Garros campaign, broke back immediately -- only to hand back the advantage in her next service game. The Pole`s struggles with her delivery continued as she had to save five break points to hold serve for the first time in the second set to get to 2-3 and stay in touch with Fett. The hold seemed to spur on Swiatek and she won five games in a row to become the first women`s player in the 21st century to win 36 consecutive matches. She will meet British wildcard Sonay Kartal or Dutch lucky loser Lesley Pattinama Kerkhove for a place in the third round. "It`s my first match on grass this season so I knew it`s going to be tricky," said the 21-year-old. "At the beginning of the second set I lost my focus little bit and she used that pretty well. "I am pretty happy that I came back and I could finish in two sets. I am just figuring out how to play here and trying to implement all the stuff we were practising. It`s pretty exciting, a new experience for me." *** Feisty Australian Nick Kyrgios came through a five-set first-round Wimbledon thriller against British wildcard Paul Jubb on Tuesday as his fearsome serve, including 30 aces, eventually overpowered the 22-year-old 3-6 6-1 7-5 6-7(3) 7-5. It was an unexpectedly testing examination for Kyrgios as the British outsider kept his cool in the face of the Australian`s usual verbal antics, but fell just short. "It was tough, he had nothing to lose and he played exceptional tennis at times," Kyrgios said. "He`s going to be a good player for sure, I`m just happy to get through. "Playing here is a lot of fun. I talk a lot on the court but off the court I`m not too bad." Kyrgios looked pretty flat in losing the opening set to a player whose career highlight was winning the U.S. NCAA college title in 2019, and in his frustration he hammered a ball high and out of Court Three. Kyrgios is a player the word "chuntering" was invented for as he seems to need to keep up a running monologue to get himself motivated. He took great offence at a single fan uttering an almost polite boo, complaining to the umpire "You don`t accept a hat with two logos on but you accept disrespect of an athlete?". Kyrgios then complained about a line judge "reporting him" to the umpire. "Not one person has come here today to hear her speak," he said. ALSO READ | Last year's finalist Matteo Berrettini pulls out of Wimbledon 2022 after testing positive for COVID-19 The chat appeared to energise him as he began to find his range in a strong second set but Jubb refused to lie down, being edged out in the third and going toe to toe to take the fourth on the back of a strong tiebreak. The Briton, in only his second Wimbledon appearance having lost in the first round three years ago, was ice-cool in ignoring any potential distraction from Kyrgios’s running commentary, which included another extended whinge over a non-signalled net cord in the tiebreak. It is now eight years since Kyrgios stunned then world number one Rafa Nadal to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals but he has never matched that since and has reached only one other Grand Slam quarter – in Australia in 2015. The 27-year-old has slipped to world number 40 but his serve remains out of the top drawer, demonstrated when he ripped through the third game of the deciding set to love in 43 seconds before breaking Jubb. When serving for the set, however, Kyrgios stood back to admire a drop shot, only to be left stranded when Jubb brilliantly ran it down en route to his own break back. Jubb then failed to convert a break point and, serving to take the match to a decisive tiebreak, leaked a couple of shots wide to help Kyrgios secure victory. *** Coco Gauff made sure she was not thrown off course by the noisy racket created by Nick Kyrgios in a nearby court or by the fact she managed to convert only four of 25 break points as she reached the Wimbledon second round on Tuesday. With Australian hot-head Kyrgios up to his usual antics, yelling at the umpire and involved in heated exchanges with other officials during his first-round match, the commotion from Court Three might have distracted Gauff as she lost the opening seven points to Elena-Gabriela Ruse. But despite the inauspicious start, and her growing frustration in failing to convert so many break points, the 11th seed hung tough for 2-1/2 hours to seal a place in round two with a 2-6 6-3 7-5 win over the little-known Romanian. "Both of us gave our heart on court today," a beaming Gauff told the crowd after celebrating her win by thumping her chest with a clenched fist. "Court Two is a really, really nice court and I like that it`s intimate as you can hear every gasp and every cheer and I like that. "First round is always tough for me as it`s the most nerve racking... but if I lose I know it`s not the end of the world." The 18-year-old American is the youngest player in the singles draw and after her runner-up finish at the French Open this month, many are tipping her to go all the way at the All England Club. However, when she lost the opening seven points against Ruse, including surrendering her serve to love, her father and coach Corey could be seen frowning on a sun-soaked Court Two. ALSO READ | Ukraine's Anhelina Kalinina will use Wimbledon prize money to rebuild parents' home after it was bombed When Gauff went on to earn and lose four break points in Ruse`s opening service game, it set the tone for a frustrating afternoon for her family. The popular teenager, who captured the world`s attention when she made it to the Wimbledon fourth round as a 15-year-old school girl in 2019, finally got a foothold in the match when she broke for a 4-2 lead in the second set before levelling at one set all. The 24-year-old Ruse fought back from 3-1 down in the final set to level at 3-3 but Gauff clung on despite continuing to misfire on break points. She needed six of them to break Ruse`s resolve in the 11th game of the decider and secured victory when her opponent whipped a forehand wide. She will next face Romanian Mihaela Buzarnescu.

Wimbledon 2022: Iga Swiatek, Nick Kyrgios and Coco Gauff proceed ahead

Former world number one Andy Murray looked back to his best on grass as he beat Nick Kyrgios 7-6(5) 6-2 to move into the final of the Stuttgart Open on Saturday after the Australian lost his cool in the second set and said he was racially abused by a fan.

The final is the 70th of Murray`s career and his second of the year after a runner-up finish in Sydney in January. The 35-year-old will face second seed Matteo Berrettini who is playing his first Tour-level final of the season.

After an entertaining opening set where there was nothing to separate the two players, Murray sealed it in the tiebreak after which Kyrgios broke his racket and earned a point penalty as well as a game penalty in the second set.

The Australian, who was constantly complaining to the umpire, then refused to continue playing, sitting in his chair until the supervisor came out and convinced him to finish the match.

A frustrated Kyrgios later said that he had retaliated after hearing a racial slur. "When is this going to stop? Dealing with racial slurs from the crowd?" he wrote on Instagram.

"I understand that my behaviour isn`t the best all the time - but `you little black sheep`, `shut up and play` - little comments like this are not acceptable.

"When I retaliate to the crowd, I get penalised. This is messed up."

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After an absorbing opening set, where Kyrgios had even got the crowd going with an underarm serve and front `tweeners`, he lost his focus in the second and made numerous errors as Murray quickly wrapped up the match and sealed his spot in the final.

Murray, whose last Tour title came in 2019 in Antwerp, was sympathetic in his on-court interview, admitting that he did not have to work as hard in the second set after a "high quality" opener.

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"You`re always kind of battling yourself as well as the opponent, it`s one of the difficult things about individual sports," Murray, who has not dropped a set in the tournament, said.

"Nick has the potential to be one of the best players in the world, there`s absolutely no question about that. But yeah, he obviously got very frustrated in the second set and made it a lot easier for me.

"But look, I`m happy to be in the final. I`ve played well this week and I`ve got a great opportunity against Matteo tomorrow."

Former world number one Andy Murray looked back to his best on grass as he beat Nick Kyrgios 7-6(5) 6-2 to move into the final of the Stuttgart Open on Saturday after the Australian lost his cool in the second set and said he was racially abused by a fan.

Former world number one Andy Murray looked back to his best on grass as he beat Nick Kyrgios 7-6(5) 6-2 to move into the final of the Stuttgart Open on Saturday after the Australian lost his cool in the second set and said he was racially abused by a fan. The final is the 70th of Murray`s career and his second of the year after a runner-up finish in Sydney in January. The 35-year-old will face second seed Matteo Berrettini who is playing his first Tour-level final of the season. After an entertaining opening set where there was nothing to separate the two players, Murray sealed it in the tiebreak after which Kyrgios broke his racket and earned a point penalty as well as a game penalty in the second set. The Australian, who was constantly complaining to the umpire, then refused to continue playing, sitting in his chair until the supervisor came out and convinced him to finish the match. A frustrated Kyrgios later said that he had retaliated after hearing a racial slur. "When is this going to stop? Dealing with racial slurs from the crowd?" he wrote on Instagram. "I understand that my behaviour isn`t the best all the time - but `you little black sheep`, `shut up and play` - little comments like this are not acceptable. "When I retaliate to the crowd, I get penalised. This is messed up." Also Read: US judge dismisses rape suit against football star Cristiano Ronaldo After an absorbing opening set, where Kyrgios had even got the crowd going with an underarm serve and front `tweeners`, he lost his focus in the second and made numerous errors as Murray quickly wrapped up the match and sealed his spot in the final. Murray, whose last Tour title came in 2019 in Antwerp, was sympathetic in his on-court interview, admitting that he did not have to work as hard in the second set after a "high quality" opener. Also Read: 'Anesthetic injections are....' - WADA chief on doping accusation on French Open winner Rafael Nadal "You`re always kind of battling yourself as well as the opponent, it`s one of the difficult things about individual sports," Murray, who has not dropped a set in the tournament, said. "Nick has the potential to be one of the best players in the world, there`s absolutely no question about that. But yeah, he obviously got very frustrated in the second set and made it a lot easier for me. "But look, I`m happy to be in the final. I`ve played well this week and I`ve got a great opportunity against Matteo tomorrow."

Andy Murray into Stuttgart Open final after Nick Kyrgios loses cool amid 'racial slurs' from crowd

Nick Kyrgios of Australia used three sets to defeat American Mackenzie McDonald 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 Tuesday in the first round of the Fayez Sarofim &amp; Co. U.S. Men's Clay Court Championship in Houston.

Playing as a wild card, Kyrgios earned his first win on clay since 2019. He most recently made a stellar run at the Miami Open but was fined $35,000 for unsportsmanlike behavior during his Round of 16 defeat.

American wild card J.J. Wolf knocked off countryman and eighth seed Jenson Brooksby 6-4, 6-4. Wolf dialed up four aces and won three of six break-point opportunities against Brooksby.

Chilean fifth seed Cristian Garin came back to beat American wild-card entrant Jack Sock 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, while sixth-seeded Frances Tiafoe defeated U.S. countryman Marcos Giron 6-4, 6-4.

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No. 7 seed Tommy Paul of the United States won when German opponent Peter Gojowczyk retired in the third set. Other winners Tuesday included Dutch qualifier Gijs Brouwer, Australia's Jordan Thompson, Uruguay's Pablo Cuevas, Chile's Alejandro Tabilo and Americans Steve Johnson, Sam Querrey and qualifier Mitchell Krueger.

Grand Prix Hassan II

No. 2 seed Daniel Evans, No. 4 seed Albert Ramos-Vinolas, No. 5 seed Federico Delbonis and No. 7 seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina all lost on the opening day at Marrakech, Morocco.

Spain's Pablo Andujar upset Great Britain`s Evans 6-4, 6-2, despite Evans saving 12 of 17 breakpoints.

Italian Lorenzo Musetti took down Spaniard Ramos-Vinolas 7-6 (5), 6-1.

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Portugal's Joao Sousa beat Delbonis 6-2, 5-7, 6-3 in two hours, 28 minutes, and Argentina's Federico Coria beat Spniard Davidovich 7-5, 3-6, 6-4.

Canadian top seed Felix Auger-Aliassime escaped the carnage and posted a 6-3, 6-3 win over Moroccan wild card Elliot Benchetrit.

Auger-Aliassime, ranked ninth in the world, hit six aces and saved all six break points he faced.

Other winners Tuesday included Dutch sixth seed Botic van de Zandschulp, Serbian eighth seed Laslo Djere, Spain's Robert Carballes Baena and Carlos Taberner, France's Richard Gasquet, Slovakia`s Alex Molcan and Tunisia's Malek Jaziri.

Nick Kyrgios of Australia used three sets to defeat American Mackenzie McDonald 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 Tuesday in the first round of the Fayez Sarofim & Co. U.S. Men's Clay Court Championship in Houston.

Nick Kyrgios of Australia used three sets to defeat American Mackenzie McDonald 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 Tuesday in the first round of the Fayez Sarofim & Co. U.S. Men's Clay Court Championship in Houston. Playing as a wild card, Kyrgios earned his first win on clay since 2019. He most recently made a stellar run at the Miami Open but was fined $35,000 for unsportsmanlike behavior during his Round of 16 defeat. American wild card J.J. Wolf knocked off countryman and eighth seed Jenson Brooksby 6-4, 6-4. Wolf dialed up four aces and won three of six break-point opportunities against Brooksby. Chilean fifth seed Cristian Garin came back to beat American wild-card entrant Jack Sock 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, while sixth-seeded Frances Tiafoe defeated U.S. countryman Marcos Giron 6-4, 6-4. ALSO READ: Planning to play the Masters, says star golfer Tiger Woods after car crash No. 7 seed Tommy Paul of the United States won when German opponent Peter Gojowczyk retired in the third set. Other winners Tuesday included Dutch qualifier Gijs Brouwer, Australia's Jordan Thompson, Uruguay's Pablo Cuevas, Chile's Alejandro Tabilo and Americans Steve Johnson, Sam Querrey and qualifier Mitchell Krueger. Grand Prix Hassan II No. 2 seed Daniel Evans, No. 4 seed Albert Ramos-Vinolas, No. 5 seed Federico Delbonis and No. 7 seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina all lost on the opening day at Marrakech, Morocco. Spain's Pablo Andujar upset Great Britain`s Evans 6-4, 6-2, despite Evans saving 12 of 17 breakpoints. Italian Lorenzo Musetti took down Spaniard Ramos-Vinolas 7-6 (5), 6-1. ALSO READ: FIH Junior World Cup: Mumtaz Khan's hat-trick powers India to emphatic 4-0 win over Malaysia, face Korea in QF Portugal's Joao Sousa beat Delbonis 6-2, 5-7, 6-3 in two hours, 28 minutes, and Argentina's Federico Coria beat Spniard Davidovich 7-5, 3-6, 6-4. Canadian top seed Felix Auger-Aliassime escaped the carnage and posted a 6-3, 6-3 win over Moroccan wild card Elliot Benchetrit. Auger-Aliassime, ranked ninth in the world, hit six aces and saved all six break points he faced. Other winners Tuesday included Dutch sixth seed Botic van de Zandschulp, Serbian eighth seed Laslo Djere, Spain's Robert Carballes Baena and Carlos Taberner, France's Richard Gasquet, Slovakia`s Alex Molcan and Tunisia's Malek Jaziri.

Nick Kyrgios defeats Mackenzie McDonald in opening round of U.S. Men's Clay Court Championship in Houston

Nick Kyrgios has been fined $35,000 for his behaviour during a fourth-round loss to Jannik Sinner at the Miami Open in which he criticised the umpire and smashed his racket, the sport`s governing ATP said on Thursday.

After repeatedly berating umpire Carlos Bernardes for failing to control the crowd at the Masters 1000 tournament on Tuesday, Kyrgios received a point penalty in the first set tiebreak for telling a friend in the stands he could do a better job officiating.

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The Australian wild card then received a game penalty - putting Italian Sinner up a break at the start of the second set - after repeatedly yelling "What is unsportsmanlike?" to Bernardes, and then walked to his bench, where he whacked his racket against the court.

The ATP said Kyrgios was fined $5,000 for audible obscenity, $10,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct and $20,000 for verbal abuse.

Asked after the match about his behaviour, Kyrgios defended his character while railing against the umpire.

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"He`s not even going to get a slap on the wrist for his dreadful umpiring performance today. Like, he was horrendous," said the Australian.

The incident followed an outburst at Indian Wells earlier this month, where Kyrgios lost his temper after losing in the quarter-final to Rafa Nadal, smashing his racket to the ground, which then bounced up and almost hit a ball boy. 
He apologised after the match and was fined $25,000.

Nick Kyrgios has been fined $35,000 for his behaviour during a fourth-round loss to Jannik Sinner at the Miami Open in which he criticised the umpire and smashed his racket, the sport`s governing ATP said on Thursday.

Nick Kyrgios has been fined $35,000 for his behaviour during a fourth-round loss to Jannik Sinner at the Miami Open in which he criticised the umpire and smashed his racket, the sport`s governing ATP said on Thursday. After repeatedly berating umpire Carlos Bernardes for failing to control the crowd at the Masters 1000 tournament on Tuesday, Kyrgios received a point penalty in the first set tiebreak for telling a friend in the stands he could do a better job officiating. Also read | Premier League clubs to reintroduce five substitutes rule from 2022-23 season The Australian wild card then received a game penalty - putting Italian Sinner up a break at the start of the second set - after repeatedly yelling "What is unsportsmanlike?" to Bernardes, and then walked to his bench, where he whacked his racket against the court. The ATP said Kyrgios was fined $5,000 for audible obscenity, $10,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct and $20,000 for verbal abuse. Asked after the match about his behaviour, Kyrgios defended his character while railing against the umpire. Also read | Updated IPL 2022 points table after CSK vs LSG face-off "He`s not even going to get a slap on the wrist for his dreadful umpiring performance today. Like, he was horrendous," said the Australian. The incident followed an outburst at Indian Wells earlier this month, where Kyrgios lost his temper after losing in the quarter-final to Rafa Nadal, smashing his racket to the ground, which then bounced up and almost hit a ball boy. He apologised after the match and was fined $25,000.

Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios fined $35,000 for Miami Open violations

Australian wildcard Nick Kyrgios needed 51 minutes to stun world number seven Andrey Rublev 6-3 6-0 and Alexander Zverev's superior serving led to a 6-4 3-6 6-3 win over Borna Coric in second-round action at the Miami Open on Friday.

Rublev looked good at the start, building a 2-1 lead after breaking Kyrgios in the early stages of the first set.

But it was all downhill from there for the Russian though as Kyrgios piled up the winners and put pressure on Rublev's serve by stepping into the court to take the ball early.

"I don't think I played unbelievable, I just played the right way," Kyrgios told Tennis Channel.

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"Against Rublev, you know he wants to try and dictate, to have a lot of rhythm, and I didn't give him that today. I tried to slap as many winners as I could, serve well and get up the court on my return and it worked."

Kyrgios, who has won five of his last six matches, will next play Italian Fabio Fognini, who beat Japan's Taro Daniel 6-7(1) 6-2 7-6(5) earlier in the day.

Zverev, having split the first two sets against Croatian Coric, served his way out of trouble in the first game of the third set and fended off a break point while serving up 5-3 en route to the hard-fought win.

The German, who fired down 12 aces and only committed one double fault, said his more aggressive approach was the difference in the contest.

"The last few matches I was losing close three-set matches because I felt I wasn't going for it," said Zverev, who fell to Tommy Paul in a tight three-setter in the second round of Indian Wells earlier this month.

"Today I felt like if I'm going to lose, I`m going to go for it. That worked out and hopefully it will in the next match as well."

Zverev said he will have his hands full when he faces either American Mackenzie McDonald or Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov in the third round.

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"Grigor is playing extremely well right now. He made the quarter-finals at Indian Wells, playing at an extremely high level, but Mackie is good on the fast surfaces, which it is here," he said.

Elsewhere in second-round action, Italy's ninth seed Jannik Sinner beat Emil Ruusuvuori of Finland in the best match of the tournament so far, rifling a forehand service return winner to seal a 6-4 3-6 7-6(8) victory.

World number 11 Sinner will next face Pablo Carreno Busta, who beat David Goffin of Belgium 6-3 6-2.

Frenchman Hugo Gaston overcame 22 aces from American John Isner to advance 7-6(5) 6-4 and 10th seed Cameron Norrie came out on the winning side of an all British battle with Jack Draper 7-6(5) 6-4 at the Masters 1000 tournament.

Australian wildcard Nick Kyrgios needed 51 minutes to stun world number seven Andrey Rublev 6-3 6-0 and Alexander Zverev's superior serving led to a 6-4 3-6 6-3 win over Borna Coric in second-round action at the Miami Open on Friday.

Australian wildcard Nick Kyrgios needed 51 minutes to stun world number seven Andrey Rublev 6-3 6-0 and Alexander Zverev's superior serving led to a 6-4 3-6 6-3 win over Borna Coric in second-round action at the Miami Open on Friday. Rublev looked good at the start, building a 2-1 lead after breaking Kyrgios in the early stages of the first set. But it was all downhill from there for the Russian though as Kyrgios piled up the winners and put pressure on Rublev's serve by stepping into the court to take the ball early. "I don't think I played unbelievable, I just played the right way," Kyrgios told Tennis Channel. ALSO READ: Swiss Open: Kidambi Srikanth beats Denmark's Anders Antonsen to enter men's singles semi-final "Against Rublev, you know he wants to try and dictate, to have a lot of rhythm, and I didn't give him that today. I tried to slap as many winners as I could, serve well and get up the court on my return and it worked." Kyrgios, who has won five of his last six matches, will next play Italian Fabio Fognini, who beat Japan's Taro Daniel 6-7(1) 6-2 7-6(5) earlier in the day. Zverev, having split the first two sets against Croatian Coric, served his way out of trouble in the first game of the third set and fended off a break point while serving up 5-3 en route to the hard-fought win. The German, who fired down 12 aces and only committed one double fault, said his more aggressive approach was the difference in the contest. "The last few matches I was losing close three-set matches because I felt I wasn't going for it," said Zverev, who fell to Tommy Paul in a tight three-setter in the second round of Indian Wells earlier this month. "Today I felt like if I'm going to lose, I`m going to go for it. That worked out and hopefully it will in the next match as well." Zverev said he will have his hands full when he faces either American Mackenzie McDonald or Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov in the third round. ALSO READ: Iga Swiatek set to become Poland's first World No. 1 in tennis history after win against Golubic in Miami Open "Grigor is playing extremely well right now. He made the quarter-finals at Indian Wells, playing at an extremely high level, but Mackie is good on the fast surfaces, which it is here," he said. Elsewhere in second-round action, Italy's ninth seed Jannik Sinner beat Emil Ruusuvuori of Finland in the best match of the tournament so far, rifling a forehand service return winner to seal a 6-4 3-6 7-6(8) victory. World number 11 Sinner will next face Pablo Carreno Busta, who beat David Goffin of Belgium 6-3 6-2. Frenchman Hugo Gaston overcame 22 aces from American John Isner to advance 7-6(5) 6-4 and 10th seed Cameron Norrie came out on the winning side of an all British battle with Jack Draper 7-6(5) 6-4 at the Masters 1000 tournament.

Miami Open: Nick Kyrgios crushes Andrey Rublev, Alexander Zverev fights past Borna Coric to enter 3rd round

Australian Nick Kyrgios sealed a comfortable victory over Frenchman Adrian Mannarino in the first round of the Miami Open on Wednesday, while former world number one Naomi Osaka defeated Astra Sharma.

Wildcard Kyrgios fired down 12 aces and did not face a single breakpoint in his 7-6(3) 6-3 win.

"It was a hell of a performance," Kyrgios said. "Getting on late, it wasn’t easy. So I'm really proud of myself with the way I responded. I felt good, I competed well today against a tough opponent."

The Australian said he would be a "complete underdog" in his second-round match against Russian fifth seed Andrey Rublev.

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"But I feel confident. If I'm serving well and play well from the back, I can beat anyone," he added.

Earlier, Osaka was cheered on to a 6-3 6-4 win over Australia's Sharma.

Osaka was in complete command right from the moment she stepped onto the Hard Rock Stadium court, never allowing Sharma a single break opportunity while keeping her 96th-ranked opponent under constant pressure, converting two of 11 breakpoints.

After the match, Osaka soaked up the applause from the sparse crowd in what was a far different atmosphere from 11 days earlier in Indian Wells when she fought back tears after being heckled during a second-round loss to Veronika Kudermetova.

"This is like my home tournament," smiled Osaka during her on-court interview, prompting a round of cheers.

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"Honestly I just didn't want to let anything bother me today no matter what happened, like the last match I played was not the greatest memory for me."

"I just wanted to prove I could come back out here and compete and no matter if I won or lost just know I had the best attitude that I could."

A four-times Grand Slam champion, Japan's Osaka has seen her ranking fall to 77th coming into the tournament after she took a break from tennis following last year's U.S. Open to prioritise her mental health.

Osaka's mental health struggles first manifested themselves at the 2021 French Open when she withdrew from the Grand Slam after deciding to boycott post-match media duties, explaining she had been suffering from depression.

She has taken breaks from the sport on several occasions and said after her match on Wednesday that she was seeing a therapist.

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Osaka said the decision to finally seek out professional help came after her sister expressed concern for her.

"I finally started talking to a therapist after Indian Wells," said Osaka, after setting up a second-round clash with another former world number one Angelique Kerber. "It only took like a year after the French Open.

"I feel like I've been trying a lot of different things because I tend to internalise things, and I also want to do everything by myself."

"The mind is such a big thing. If you can get a professional to help you out .5%, that alone is worth it."

Australian Nick Kyrgios sealed a comfortable victory over Frenchman Adrian Mannarino in the first round of the Miami Open on Wednesday, while former world number one Naomi Osaka defeated Astra Sharma.

Australian Nick Kyrgios sealed a comfortable victory over Frenchman Adrian Mannarino in the first round of the Miami Open on Wednesday, while former world number one Naomi Osaka defeated Astra Sharma. Wildcard Kyrgios fired down 12 aces and did not face a single breakpoint in his 7-6(3) 6-3 win. "It was a hell of a performance," Kyrgios said. "Getting on late, it wasn’t easy. So I'm really proud of myself with the way I responded. I felt good, I competed well today against a tough opponent." The Australian said he would be a "complete underdog" in his second-round match against Russian fifth seed Andrey Rublev. ALSO READ: Exclusive! Ash Barty has always done things her own way: Shocked Ricky Ponting on tennis great's retirement "But I feel confident. If I'm serving well and play well from the back, I can beat anyone," he added. Earlier, Osaka was cheered on to a 6-3 6-4 win over Australia's Sharma. Osaka was in complete command right from the moment she stepped onto the Hard Rock Stadium court, never allowing Sharma a single break opportunity while keeping her 96th-ranked opponent under constant pressure, converting two of 11 breakpoints. After the match, Osaka soaked up the applause from the sparse crowd in what was a far different atmosphere from 11 days earlier in Indian Wells when she fought back tears after being heckled during a second-round loss to Veronika Kudermetova. "This is like my home tournament," smiled Osaka during her on-court interview, prompting a round of cheers. ALSO READ: 'A champion in every sense of the word': Tennis stars pay tribute to retiring World No 1 Ashleigh Barty "Honestly I just didn't want to let anything bother me today no matter what happened, like the last match I played was not the greatest memory for me." "I just wanted to prove I could come back out here and compete and no matter if I won or lost just know I had the best attitude that I could." A four-times Grand Slam champion, Japan's Osaka has seen her ranking fall to 77th coming into the tournament after she took a break from tennis following last year's U.S. Open to prioritise her mental health. Osaka's mental health struggles first manifested themselves at the 2021 French Open when she withdrew from the Grand Slam after deciding to boycott post-match media duties, explaining she had been suffering from depression. She has taken breaks from the sport on several occasions and said after her match on Wednesday that she was seeing a therapist. ALSO READ: Rafael Nadal out of action for six weeks with stress fracture ahead of French Open 2022 Osaka said the decision to finally seek out professional help came after her sister expressed concern for her. "I finally started talking to a therapist after Indian Wells," said Osaka, after setting up a second-round clash with another former world number one Angelique Kerber. "It only took like a year after the French Open. "I feel like I've been trying a lot of different things because I tend to internalise things, and I also want to do everything by myself." "The mind is such a big thing. If you can get a professional to help you out .5%, that alone is worth it."

Miami Open: Nick Kyrgios storms into second round, Naomi Osaka wins first match since heckling incident

World No.4 Rafael Nadal beats Australia`s Nick Kyrgios 7-6 (7-0), 5-7, 6-4 to set up a semi-final clash with 18-year-old compatriot Carlos Alcaraz here at the Indian Wells. The 21-time grand slam champion won his 19th consecutive match since the start of the year with a win over the Australian.

In the opening set, Kyrgios drew first blood, breaking Nadal to take a 2-1 lead. Kyrgios was broken when he was serving for the first set and was also warned for smashing his racquet.

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Nadal fought his way back to take the set to a tie-breaker but in the tie-break, the Spaniard won all the points to go one game up. The Australian World No. 132 clawed his way back winning the second set 5-7 to make it one set apiece and take the match to the decider. In the third and final set, the 35-year-old Spaniard held his nerve to win it 6-4 and set up a semi-final battle with his countrymen Carlos Alcaraz who defeated defending champion from Cameron Norrie of Great Britain. The 18-year old Alcaraz registered a comfortable 6-4, 6-3 win over the Norrie.&nbsp;

World No.4 Rafael Nadal beats Australia`s Nick Kyrgios 7-6 (7-0), 5-7, 6-4 to set up a semi-final clash with 18-year-old compatriot Carlos Alcaraz here at the Indian Wells.

World No.4 Rafael Nadal beats Australia`s Nick Kyrgios 7-6 (7-0), 5-7, 6-4 to set up a semi-final clash with 18-year-old compatriot Carlos Alcaraz here at the Indian Wells. The 21-time grand slam champion won his 19th consecutive match since the start of the year with a win over the Australian. In the opening set, Kyrgios drew first blood, breaking Nadal to take a 2-1 lead. Kyrgios was broken when he was serving for the first set and was also warned for smashing his racquet. ALSO READ | Indian Wells: Rafael Nadal extends unbeaten streak to 18 after beating USA's Reilly Opelka to enter quarters Nadal fought his way back to take the set to a tie-breaker but in the tie-break, the Spaniard won all the points to go one game up. The Australian World No. 132 clawed his way back winning the second set 5-7 to make it one set apiece and take the match to the decider. In the third and final set, the 35-year-old Spaniard held his nerve to win it 6-4 and set up a semi-final battle with his countrymen Carlos Alcaraz who defeated defending champion from Cameron Norrie of Great Britain. The 18-year old Alcaraz registered a comfortable 6-4, 6-3 win over the Norrie.

Indian Wells: Rafael Nadal extends unbeaten streak to 19 after going past Nick Kyrgios, enters semis

Thanasi Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios clinched the Australian Open men`s doubles title on Saturday evening. The crowd`s favourites defeated fellow Aussies Matthew Ebden and Max Purcell 7-5, 6-4 to lift the trophy at the Rod Laver Arena.

Kokkinakis and Kyrgios are the first wild cards to win the event in the Open Era and the first wild cards to triumph at any major since Wimbledon in 2012, when Jonathan Marray and Frederik Nielsen were victorious.

Heavy hitting from Kokkinakis and Kyrgios off the ground proved too much in the big moments in their one-hour, 35-minute victory. Purcell saved the first championship point at 3-5 in the second set with a big serve out wide.

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But in the next game, Kyrgios held to love. The champions completed their victory when Kokkinakis punched a backhand volley through the middle of the court for a winner.

Kokkinakis and Kyrgios are the first all-Australian men`s doubles champions at the Australian Open since Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde triumphed in 1997.

Thanasi Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios clinched the Australian Open men`s doubles title on Saturday evening. The crowd`s favourites defeated fellow Aussies Matthew Ebden and Max Purcell 7-5, 6-4 to lift the trophy at the Rod Laver Arena.

Thanasi Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios clinched the Australian Open men`s doubles title on Saturday evening. The crowd`s favourites defeated fellow Aussies Matthew Ebden and Max Purcell 7-5, 6-4 to lift the trophy at the Rod Laver Arena. Kokkinakis and Kyrgios are the first wild cards to win the event in the Open Era and the first wild cards to triumph at any major since Wimbledon in 2012, when Jonathan Marray and Frederik Nielsen were victorious. Heavy hitting from Kokkinakis and Kyrgios off the ground proved too much in the big moments in their one-hour, 35-minute victory. Purcell saved the first championship point at 3-5 in the second set with a big serve out wide. Read Also | Australian Open: 'Where is Peng Shuai?' T-shirts handed out to fans at Melbourne Park But in the next game, Kyrgios held to love. The champions completed their victory when Kokkinakis punched a backhand volley through the middle of the court for a winner. Kokkinakis and Kyrgios are the first all-Australian men`s doubles champions at the Australian Open since Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde triumphed in 1997.

Australian Open 2022: Nick Kyrgios, Thanasi Kokkinakis clinch men's doubles title

World number two Daniil Medvedev put an end to the Nick Kyrgios show at this year`s Australian Open on Thursday, dumping out the mercurial local hope with a clinical 7-6(1) 6-4 4-6 6-2 victory to reach the third round.

A capacity 50% crowd cheered on every Kyrgios point at a floodlit Rod Laver Arena but despite their fanatic support, the Australian maverick could not find a way past the U.S. Open champion who showed nerves of steel.

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An inspired Kyrgios forced a break of serve in the third set to take the match into the fourth but Medvedev, who is the highest-ranked men`s player remaining following Novak Djokovic`s deportation, soon regained control.

A double break in the fourth set made it look easy for last year`s Australian Open finalist and he will next meet 57th-ranked Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands for a place in the fourth round.

"I came to win this match and I am happy to do it," said Medvedev. "It`s not easy when you get booed between the first and second serve. I had to stay calm."

World number two Daniil Medvedev put an end to the Nick Kyrgios show at this year`s Australian Open on Thursday, dumping out the mercurial local hope with a clinical 7-6(1) 6-4 4-6 6-2 victory to reach the third round.

World number two Daniil Medvedev put an end to the Nick Kyrgios show at this year`s Australian Open on Thursday, dumping out the mercurial local hope with a clinical 7-6(1) 6-4 4-6 6-2 victory to reach the third round. A capacity 50% crowd cheered on every Kyrgios point at a floodlit Rod Laver Arena but despite their fanatic support, the Australian maverick could not find a way past the U.S. Open champion who showed nerves of steel. Read Also | Australian Open: Taro Daniel mauls Andy Murray in second round An inspired Kyrgios forced a break of serve in the third set to take the match into the fourth but Medvedev, who is the highest-ranked men`s player remaining following Novak Djokovic`s deportation, soon regained control. A double break in the fourth set made it look easy for last year`s Australian Open finalist and he will next meet 57th-ranked Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands for a place in the fourth round. "I came to win this match and I am happy to do it," said Medvedev. "It`s not easy when you get booed between the first and second serve. I had to stay calm."

Australian Open: Daniil Medvedev moves past Nick Kyrgios to reach third round

Nick Kyrgios promised COVID-weary fans a show after recovering from his own infection and duly delivered on Tuesday with a tweener-laden 6-4 6-4 6-3 win over Briton Liam Broady on Tuesday to reach the Australian Open second round.

Kyrgios matches are box office gold but have dwindled through the pandemic, and there was danger home fans would miss the Australian at Melbourne Park this year after he tested positive in the leadup.

But after exiting isolation on Sunday, the tennis maverick returned to the combustible John Cain Arena and gave raucous fans a night to remember as he set up a blockbuster clash with second seed Daniil Medvedev.

Sealing the win with a furious backhand return down the line, Kyrgios dropped an "F-bomb" in his televised on-court interview and performed Cristiano Ronaldo`s trademark post-goal celebration.

On his way out of the arena, he took a swig of beer from a cup offered by a fan. COVID-19 be damned.

"I served ... well today," said Kyrgios with an obscenity as fans roared in agreement.

"I don’t know what I have done to this crowd as you guys are a zoo now. I am super happy to be here again." 
It took only minutes for Kyrgios to ignite the terraces by breaking Broady in the opening game. He closed out the next game with an under-arm "tweener".

Having lit a fire in the crowd, Kyrgios proved unable to control it, as fans hooted between serves and yelled at Broady to go home.

"I kind of know I`ve created this ... show, anyway," he said to chair umpire Nico Helwerth, urging the German to do more to quell the commotion.

Relegated to the straight man in Kyrgios`s routine, there was little for 128th-ranked qualifier Broady to do but grin and bear it as fans jeered and 41 winners fired past him.

"Everyone is telling me, like, `Oh you`ll really enjoy it. It`s going to be amazing`. But I thought it was absolutely awful," said Broady.

"It`s the first time I`ve ever walked onto a tennis court and been booed, which for me was a crazy experience."

Kyrgios has a 2-0 career record over U.S. Open champion Medvedev, both wins in 2019, but never faced him at a Grand Slam. Playing a long match against the super-fit Russian may be tough for Kyrgios after his recent illness -- and especially if the match is held away from John Cain Arena.

"We`re going to be playing on Rod Laver Arena ... Let`s be honest, I think we are," he said.

Nick Kyrgios promised COVID-weary fans a show after recovering from his own infection and duly delivered on Tuesday with a tweener-laden 6-4 6-4 6-3 win over Briton Liam Broady on Tuesday to reach the Australian Open second round.

Nick Kyrgios promised COVID-weary fans a show after recovering from his own infection and duly delivered on Tuesday with a tweener-laden 6-4 6-4 6-3 win over Briton Liam Broady on Tuesday to reach the Australian Open second round. Kyrgios matches are box office gold but have dwindled through the pandemic, and there was danger home fans would miss the Australian at Melbourne Park this year after he tested positive in the leadup. But after exiting isolation on Sunday, the tennis maverick returned to the combustible John Cain Arena and gave raucous fans a night to remember as he set up a blockbuster clash with second seed Daniil Medvedev. Sealing the win with a furious backhand return down the line, Kyrgios dropped an "F-bomb" in his televised on-court interview and performed Cristiano Ronaldo`s trademark post-goal celebration. On his way out of the arena, he took a swig of beer from a cup offered by a fan. COVID-19 be damned. "I served ... well today," said Kyrgios with an obscenity as fans roared in agreement. "I don’t know what I have done to this crowd as you guys are a zoo now. I am super happy to be here again." It took only minutes for Kyrgios to ignite the terraces by breaking Broady in the opening game. He closed out the next game with an under-arm "tweener". Having lit a fire in the crowd, Kyrgios proved unable to control it, as fans hooted between serves and yelled at Broady to go home. "I kind of know I`ve created this ... show, anyway," he said to chair umpire Nico Helwerth, urging the German to do more to quell the commotion. Relegated to the straight man in Kyrgios`s routine, there was little for 128th-ranked qualifier Broady to do but grin and bear it as fans jeered and 41 winners fired past him. "Everyone is telling me, like, `Oh you`ll really enjoy it. It`s going to be amazing`. But I thought it was absolutely awful," said Broady. "It`s the first time I`ve ever walked onto a tennis court and been booed, which for me was a crazy experience." Kyrgios has a 2-0 career record over U.S. Open champion Medvedev, both wins in 2019, but never faced him at a Grand Slam. Playing a long match against the super-fit Russian may be tough for Kyrgios after his recent illness -- and especially if the match is held away from John Cain Arena. "We`re going to be playing on Rod Laver Arena ... Let`s be honest, I think we are," he said.

Showman Nick Kyrgios goes from sick-bed to Australian Open second round after win over Liam Broady

Amid Novak Djokovic's battle in Australia over his cancelled visa, Nick Kyrgios supported the "alienated" tennis world number one and also criticised a lack of backing from other players.&nbsp;

Djokovic, who was looking forward to participating in the Australian Open, faced a decisive court hearing Sunday on the eve of this year's first Grand Slam.&nbsp;

Commenting on the situation, the Australian tennis player Kyrgios, who has been a&nbsp;critic of&nbsp;Djokovic, surprisingly came to his defence and&nbsp;termed&nbsp;the treatment as "really bad".

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"Novak has reached out to me personally on IG (Instagram) saying 'Thank you for standing up for me'," Kyrgios said on his 'No Boundaries' podcast.

"I was not the one he was expecting to go out in the media and have his back. As a human, he's obviously feeling quite alienated in all of this," he added.

"As a human, that's a dangerous place to be in - when you feel like the world is against you, like you can't do anything right," he further said.&nbsp;

Kyrgios, who arrived in Melbourne to compete at the tournament after spending a week in isolation with Covid, said more players should be backing the 20-time Grand Slam champion.

"Imagine how he's feeling. He probably just wants a little bit of support now from other players," he said. "Hey bro, he's getting it from me."

After the final court battle, the court will decide the fate of the tennis star after a rollercoaster 10 days that saw him detained by immigration authorities, released and then detained again ahead of a tournament that starts on Monday.

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Amid Novak Djokovic's battle in Australia over his cancelled visa, Nick Kyrgios supported the "alienated" tennis world number one and also criticised a lack of backing from other players.

Amid Novak Djokovic's battle in Australia over his cancelled visa, Nick Kyrgios supported the "alienated" tennis world number one and also criticised a lack of backing from other players. Djokovic, who was looking forward to participating in the Australian Open, faced a decisive court hearing Sunday on the eve of this year's first Grand Slam. Commenting on the situation, the Australian tennis player Kyrgios, who has been a critic of Djokovic, surprisingly came to his defence and termed the treatment as "really bad". ALSO READ | Australian Open will be great with or without Novak Djokovic: Rafael Nadal on visa controversy "Novak has reached out to me personally on IG (Instagram) saying 'Thank you for standing up for me'," Kyrgios said on his 'No Boundaries' podcast. "I was not the one he was expecting to go out in the media and have his back. As a human, he's obviously feeling quite alienated in all of this," he added. "As a human, that's a dangerous place to be in - when you feel like the world is against you, like you can't do anything right," he further said. Kyrgios, who arrived in Melbourne to compete at the tournament after spending a week in isolation with Covid, said more players should be backing the 20-time Grand Slam champion. "Imagine how he's feeling. He probably just wants a little bit of support now from other players," he said. "Hey bro, he's getting it from me." After the final court battle, the court will decide the fate of the tennis star after a rollercoaster 10 days that saw him detained by immigration authorities, released and then detained again ahead of a tournament that starts on Monday. ×

'That's a dangerous place to be in': Nick Kyrgios supports 'alienated' Novak Djokovic

Nick Kyrgios said on Monday that he had pulled out of the Sydney Tennis Classic after testing positive for COVID-19, but hoped to be at the Australian Open next week "if all goes well".

Australian Kyrgios had withdrawn from the Melbourne Summer Set ATP tournament last week due to asthma, according to the organisers, and pulled out of his clash with Italian seventh seed Fabio Fognini on Monday.

"I just want to be open and transparent with everyone, the reason I have had to pull out of Sydney is because I tested positive for COVID," Kyrgios said on Instagram.

"I am feeling healthy at the moment with no symptoms. I wish everyone all the best and to stay safe where you can. If all goes well I will see you all at the Australian Open."

Kyrgios, a crowd favourite at Melbourne Park, has not played since late September due to knee issues and has slipped to 114th in the rankings.

He was ruled out of contention for the Australian team for the season-opening ATP Cup in Sydney this month. 
The 26-year-old has played only 15 matches in 2021, winning seven of them and heads into the year`s first Grand Slam with no tune-up matches under his belt.

The Australian Open begins on Jan. 17.

Nick Kyrgios said on Monday that he had pulled out of the Sydney Tennis Classic after testing positive for COVID-19, but hoped to be at the Australian Open next week "if all goes well".

Nick Kyrgios said on Monday that he had pulled out of the Sydney Tennis Classic after testing positive for COVID-19, but hoped to be at the Australian Open next week "if all goes well". Australian Kyrgios had withdrawn from the Melbourne Summer Set ATP tournament last week due to asthma, according to the organisers, and pulled out of his clash with Italian seventh seed Fabio Fognini on Monday. "I just want to be open and transparent with everyone, the reason I have had to pull out of Sydney is because I tested positive for COVID," Kyrgios said on Instagram. "I am feeling healthy at the moment with no symptoms. I wish everyone all the best and to stay safe where you can. If all goes well I will see you all at the Australian Open." Kyrgios, a crowd favourite at Melbourne Park, has not played since late September due to knee issues and has slipped to 114th in the rankings. He was ruled out of contention for the Australian team for the season-opening ATP Cup in Sydney this month. The 26-year-old has played only 15 matches in 2021, winning seven of them and heads into the year`s first Grand Slam with no tune-up matches under his belt. The Australian Open begins on Jan. 17.

Nick Kyrgios reveals he pulled out of Sydney Tennis Classic after testing positive for COVID-19

Novak Djokovic has received support from one of his fiercest critics with Nick Kyrgios criticizing the way the world number one has been treated in Australia and saying authorities must do better for "one of our great champions".

Djokovic, who has won a record nine Australian Open titles, was detained at the Melbourne airport on Wednesday evening and his entry visa, supported by an medical exemption from the country`s vaccination requirements, was revoked. Federal Border Force officials at the airport said Djokovic was unable to justify the grounds for his exemption.

Chasing a men`s record 21st Grand Slam, Djokovic is holed up in immigration detention as his lawyers battle to secure his release to play in the Australian Open and be exempt from strict COVID-19 vaccination requirements. 
Kyrgios, who labelled Djokovic a "tool" after the Serb sought to improve quarantine conditions for players ahead of last year`s Grand Slam, said the situation had been handled poorly.

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"Look I definitely believe in taking action, I got vaccinated because of others and for my mum`s health, but how we are handling Novak`s situation is bad, really bad," tweeted Kyrgios. 
"Like these memes, headlines, this is one of our great champions but at the end of the day, he is human. Do better." 
American player John Isner said Djokovic had followed all rules and did not deserve to be treated this way.

"What Novak is going through right now is not right," Isner said on Twitter. "There`s no justification for the treatment he`s receiving ... This is such a shame." Former U.S. Open champion Marin Cilic hoped the situation would be quickly resolved and that the whole episode was not good for the sport.

"Definitely it`s not a great picture for tennis," Cilic told reporters in Adelaide on Friday. The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), the breakaway players` body launched by Djokovic in 2020, said in a statement that they were in close contact with him.

"Djokovic has verified his well-being to us," the PTPA said in a statement. "He has also requested that we allow him to personally share the facts of his detainment in his own words, and in his own time."

Djokovic has consistently refused to disclose his vaccination status while publicly criticising mandatory vaccines. Rafa Nadal, who is also in the hunt for a 21st Grand Slam title at Melbourne Park, was among those who pointed out the Serb knew for months he could potentially face problems if he arrived without being vaccinated against COVID-19.

Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/novak-djokovic-observes-orthodox-christmas-in-australian-detention-amid-huge-controversy-442897">Novak Djokovic observes Orthodox Christmas in Australian detention amid huge controversy</a>

German tennis great Boris Becker, who coached Djokovic to six majors, urged him to get vaccinated. 
"As his former coach I am so close to Novak Djokovic that I would almost regard him as family -- but like in all families you sometimes have disagreements," Becker wrote in a Daily Mail column.

"And on this occasion I think he is making a big mistake in not getting vaccinated. It is one that threatens what remains of his career and his chance to cement himself as the greatest player of all time." 
Becker was, however, unsure if Djokovic would change his mind.

"The same incredible determination which I saw win so many close matches can be a vulnerability with his stubbornness," Becker added. "Will Novak take that step? I am not sure that he will. 
"He is incredibly strong-willed, with very firm beliefs. If he does not, then in 10 years he will look back on it and realise he made a mistake."

Novak Djokovic has received support from one of his fiercest critics with Nick Kyrgios criticizing the way the world number one has been treated in Australia and saying authorities must do better for "one of our great champions".

Novak Djokovic has received support from one of his fiercest critics with Nick Kyrgios criticizing the way the world number one has been treated in Australia and saying authorities must do better for "one of our great champions". Djokovic, who has won a record nine Australian Open titles, was detained at the Melbourne airport on Wednesday evening and his entry visa, supported by an medical exemption from the country`s vaccination requirements, was revoked. Federal Border Force officials at the airport said Djokovic was unable to justify the grounds for his exemption. Chasing a men`s record 21st Grand Slam, Djokovic is holed up in immigration detention as his lawyers battle to secure his release to play in the Australian Open and be exempt from strict COVID-19 vaccination requirements. Kyrgios, who labelled Djokovic a "tool" after the Serb sought to improve quarantine conditions for players ahead of last year`s Grand Slam, said the situation had been handled poorly. Read Also | 'Was short-lived but thanks for meme-ories': Novak Djokovic's Australian Open saga leads to meme fest "Look I definitely believe in taking action, I got vaccinated because of others and for my mum`s health, but how we are handling Novak`s situation is bad, really bad," tweeted Kyrgios. "Like these memes, headlines, this is one of our great champions but at the end of the day, he is human. Do better." American player John Isner said Djokovic had followed all rules and did not deserve to be treated this way. "What Novak is going through right now is not right," Isner said on Twitter. "There`s no justification for the treatment he`s receiving ... This is such a shame." Former U.S. Open champion Marin Cilic hoped the situation would be quickly resolved and that the whole episode was not good for the sport. "Definitely it`s not a great picture for tennis," Cilic told reporters in Adelaide on Friday. The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), the breakaway players` body launched by Djokovic in 2020, said in a statement that they were in close contact with him. "Djokovic has verified his well-being to us," the PTPA said in a statement. "He has also requested that we allow him to personally share the facts of his detainment in his own words, and in his own time." Djokovic has consistently refused to disclose his vaccination status while publicly criticising mandatory vaccines. Rafa Nadal, who is also in the hunt for a 21st Grand Slam title at Melbourne Park, was among those who pointed out the Serb knew for months he could potentially face problems if he arrived without being vaccinated against COVID-19. Read Also | Novak Djokovic observes Orthodox Christmas in Australian detention amid huge controversy German tennis great Boris Becker, who coached Djokovic to six majors, urged him to get vaccinated. "As his former coach I am so close to Novak Djokovic that I would almost regard him as family -- but like in all families you sometimes have disagreements," Becker wrote in a Daily Mail column. "And on this occasion I think he is making a big mistake in not getting vaccinated. It is one that threatens what remains of his career and his chance to cement himself as the greatest player of all time." Becker was, however, unsure if Djokovic would change his mind. "The same incredible determination which I saw win so many close matches can be a vulnerability with his stubbornness," Becker added. "Will Novak take that step? I am not sure that he will. "He is incredibly strong-willed, with very firm beliefs. If he does not, then in 10 years he will look back on it and realise he made a mistake."

Nick Kyrgios reacts to Novak Djokovic's treatment, says Australia must 'do better'

Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from the Melbourne Summer Set ATP 250 event due to asthma, organisers said on Tuesday, leaving him with only one tournament to prepare for the Australian Open later this month. 
 
Kyrgios, a crowd favourite at Melbourne Park, has not played since late September due to knee issues and has slipped to 93rd in the rankings, which ruled him out of contention for the Australian team for the season-opening ATP Cup in Sydney. 
 
The 26-year-old, who played only 15 matches in 2021, winning seven of them, was scheduled to take on Slovakian Alex Molcan at Melbourne Park on Tuesday. Kyrgios will now begin his 2022 season at the Sydney Tennis Classic next week after being handed a wild card for the event.

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"I`m really sorry that I`ve had to pull out from this Melbourne Summer Set event. I`ve been feeling run down and unwell for four days," Kyrgios said in a statement. 
 
"I`ve had several COVID tests over the last few days which all came back negative. I don`t feel 100% so I need to take this week to be ready for Sydney next week. 
 
"I was really looking forward to experiencing the best fans in the world here at home. I can`t wait to get back out there and see you all." 
 
The Australian Open will begin on Jan. 17.

Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from the Melbourne Summer Set ATP 250 event due to asthma, organisers said on Tuesday, leaving him with only one tournament to prepare for the Australian Open later this month.

Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from the Melbourne Summer Set ATP 250 event due to asthma, organisers said on Tuesday, leaving him with only one tournament to prepare for the Australian Open later this month. Kyrgios, a crowd favourite at Melbourne Park, has not played since late September due to knee issues and has slipped to 93rd in the rankings, which ruled him out of contention for the Australian team for the season-opening ATP Cup in Sydney. The 26-year-old, who played only 15 matches in 2021, winning seven of them, was scheduled to take on Slovakian Alex Molcan at Melbourne Park on Tuesday. Kyrgios will now begin his 2022 season at the Sydney Tennis Classic next week after being handed a wild card for the event. ALSO READ | Teen sensation Emma Raducanu pulls out of Australian Open warm-up event in Melbourne "I`m really sorry that I`ve had to pull out from this Melbourne Summer Set event. I`ve been feeling run down and unwell for four days," Kyrgios said in a statement. "I`ve had several COVID tests over the last few days which all came back negative. I don`t feel 100% so I need to take this week to be ready for Sydney next week. "I was really looking forward to experiencing the best fans in the world here at home. I can`t wait to get back out there and see you all." The Australian Open will begin on Jan. 17.

Australian Open: Nick Kyrgios opts out of warm-up event due to asthma

With Roger Federer already ruled out of the Australian Open it would be a "disaster" if Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal do not turn up for the first Grand Slam of the year, Nick Kyrgios said, adding that the sport needs the 'Big Three'&nbsp;to continue playing.

Nadal, Federer and world number one Djokovic are tied on a men's record 20 Grand Slam singles titles but there is a possibility that none of them will be in action at Melbourne Park when the first major of 2022 kicks off on Jan. 17.

Federer, 40, has already pulled out after undergoing multiple knee surgeries while Spaniard Nadal has not confirmed his participation as he recovers from COVID-19.

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With organisers mandating all players and participants must be vaccinated or have a medical exemption granted by an independent panel of experts, Djokovic has kept everyone guessing by repeatedly declining to say if he has been innoculated against COVID-19.

The Serb has said he is "opposed to vaccination" and Australian Kyrgios, a former world number 13, told Melbourne newspaper The Age that while he did not know what Djokovic's situation is, tennis needs him on the court.

"I hope he's had a good Christmas and I hope he's able to play in the sport for as long as possible, because I've voiced before I think Federer, Nadal and Djokovic need to be (playing)," Kyrgios said.

"If all three aren't there, it's a disaster. It's an absolute disaster for the fans and the people that enjoy tennis.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mystery-remains-regarding-novak-djokovics-participation-with-atp-cup-days-away-440672">Mystery remains regarding Novak Djokovic's participation with ATP Cup days away</a>

"Yes, it's obviously a good opportunity for some of the younger guys to come through and make an impact but, as a whole, we do need them to be part of the sport."

The Australian Open has been hit by a series of injury pullouts, with major winners Serena Williams, Bianca Andreescu, Stan Wawrinka and Dominic Thiem all missing out.

Kyrgios, a crowd favourite at Melbourbe Park, has not played since late September due to knee problems, slipping to 93rd in the rankings, which ruled him out of contention for the Australian team for the season-opening ATP Cup in Sydney.

The 26-year-old will begin his 2022 season at an ATP 250 event in Melbourne next week and was on Wednesday handed a wild card for the Sydney Tennis Classic the following week.

With Roger Federer already ruled out of the Australian Open it would be a "disaster" if Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal do not turn up for the first Grand Slam of the year, Nick Kyrgios said, adding that the sport needs the 'Big Three' to continue playing.

With Roger Federer already ruled out of the Australian Open it would be a "disaster" if Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal do not turn up for the first Grand Slam of the year, Nick Kyrgios said, adding that the sport needs the 'Big Three' to continue playing. Nadal, Federer and world number one Djokovic are tied on a men's record 20 Grand Slam singles titles but there is a possibility that none of them will be in action at Melbourne Park when the first major of 2022 kicks off on Jan. 17. Federer, 40, has already pulled out after undergoing multiple knee surgeries while Spaniard Nadal has not confirmed his participation as he recovers from COVID-19. ALSO READ: World No. 15 Dominic Thiem pulls out of Australian Open citing injury concerns With organisers mandating all players and participants must be vaccinated or have a medical exemption granted by an independent panel of experts, Djokovic has kept everyone guessing by repeatedly declining to say if he has been innoculated against COVID-19. The Serb has said he is "opposed to vaccination" and Australian Kyrgios, a former world number 13, told Melbourne newspaper The Age that while he did not know what Djokovic's situation is, tennis needs him on the court. "I hope he's had a good Christmas and I hope he's able to play in the sport for as long as possible, because I've voiced before I think Federer, Nadal and Djokovic need to be (playing)," Kyrgios said. "If all three aren't there, it's a disaster. It's an absolute disaster for the fans and the people that enjoy tennis. ALSO READ | Mystery remains regarding Novak Djokovic's participation with ATP Cup days away "Yes, it's obviously a good opportunity for some of the younger guys to come through and make an impact but, as a whole, we do need them to be part of the sport." The Australian Open has been hit by a series of injury pullouts, with major winners Serena Williams, Bianca Andreescu, Stan Wawrinka and Dominic Thiem all missing out. Kyrgios, a crowd favourite at Melbourbe Park, has not played since late September due to knee problems, slipping to 93rd in the rankings, which ruled him out of contention for the Australian team for the season-opening ATP Cup in Sydney. The 26-year-old will begin his 2022 season at an ATP 250 event in Melbourne next week and was on Wednesday handed a wild card for the Sydney Tennis Classic the following week.

No 'Big Three' would be disaster for Australian Open, says Nick Kyrgios

Nick Kyrgios will not represent Australia at this year's Olympics in Tokyo because he does not want to compete if there are no fans in the stands, he said on Thursday.

Earlier in the day, Olympic organisers said the Games would take place without spectators in host city Tokyo as a resurgent coronavirus forced Japan to declare a state of emergency in the capital that will continue throughout the event which starts on July 23.

"It has been my dream to represent Australia at the Olympics and I know I may never get that opportunity again," the 26-year-old Kyrgios wrote on social media.

"But I also know myself. The thought of playing in front of empty stands just doesn't sit right with me. It never has."

He added that he would not want to take an opportunity away from a healthy Australian athlete ready to represent the country and that he will use the time to "get his body right".

Kyrgios retired during his third-round match at Wimbledon against Felix Auger Aliassime on Saturday due to an abdominal injury.

Kyrgios joins some of the sport's biggest names, including Rafa Nadal, Dominic Thiem, Stan Wawrinka, Serena Williams and Simona Halep, in skipping the Games.

Nick Kyrgios will not represent Australia at this year's Olympics in Tokyo because he does not want to compete if there are no fans in the stands, he said on Thursday.

Nick Kyrgios will not represent Australia at this year's Olympics in Tokyo because he does not want to compete if there are no fans in the stands, he said on Thursday. Earlier in the day, Olympic organisers said the Games would take place without spectators in host city Tokyo as a resurgent coronavirus forced Japan to declare a state of emergency in the capital that will continue throughout the event which starts on July 23. "It has been my dream to represent Australia at the Olympics and I know I may never get that opportunity again," the 26-year-old Kyrgios wrote on social media. "But I also know myself. The thought of playing in front of empty stands just doesn't sit right with me. It never has." He added that he would not want to take an opportunity away from a healthy Australian athlete ready to represent the country and that he will use the time to "get his body right". Kyrgios retired during his third-round match at Wimbledon against Felix Auger Aliassime on Saturday due to an abdominal injury. Kyrgios joins some of the sport's biggest names, including Rafa Nadal, Dominic Thiem, Stan Wawrinka, Serena Williams and Simona Halep, in skipping the Games.

Tennis: Nick Kyrgios says he will not play at fan-free Tokyo Games

&nbsp;Wimbledon is Nick Kyrgios' first tournament since the Australian Open and only his third since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the Tour last year but the unseeded showman has hardly shown signs of rust after storming into the third round.

Kyrgios' match against Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime will be only his ninth of the year but he sent out a warning when he ousted 21st seed, Ugo Humbert, in the first round in what was the Australian's first match on grass in two years.

Long seen as a precocious talent who always let his emotions bring the worst out in him, Kyrgios has found a way to take that burden off his shoulders and conjure scintillating&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;at the All England Club -- playing carefree without any goals.

"I just don't put that much pressure on myself anymore, I'm okay with that. I'm okay with not winning Grand Slams," Kyrgios said. "I know that's going to make a lot of people angry. 'He should be doing this,' but I shouldn't, though.

"It's not your life, it's mine. I'm okay with just enjoying myself, putting on a show. Not everyone can be a (Roger) Federer or (Novak) Djokovic. These are once-in-a-decade athletes that inspire millions of people, they're just gods.

"You have to have some people, I believe, that are relatable, that people can bring other fans to watch, like people that are just normal. I feel like I'm one of those people."

That has been on display with members of the crowd coaching him between points.

"I'm quite lighthearted. Yeah, they know it's a bit of a show. They just want entertainment at the end of the day," he added.

Auger-Aliassime beat Kyrgios in a close contest in their only meeting two years ago at Queen's Club but the 20-year-old is not taking things lightly.

"Nick is a great player, a great entertainer. I think he's good for&nbsp;tennis. He seems focused and playing well the last few matches," the Canadian said. "He has everything that a player needs to play well, especially on grass, he serves amazing."

Eight-times champion Federer will return to Centre Court for his third-round match against the last British man left standing -- 29th seed Cameron Norrie.

While the Swiss can usually count on having most of the crowd support no matter where he plays, on Saturday there might be more of a split.

"I understand if they cheer for him and if it is for me it is because of the last 20 years and all the big wins I've had here," Federer said about his showdown with the Queen's Club runner-up.

"But enough now, he needs to go out. I need to go through," he added with a laugh.

American teenager Coco Gauff will look to move into the Wimbledon quarter-finals for the first time when she takes on Slovenia's Kaja Juvan, while top seed Ash Barty is up against Czech Katerina Siniakova.

Meanwhile, men's second seed Daniil Medvedev faces 2017 finalist Marin Cilic.

Wimbledon is Nick Kyrgios' first tournament since the Australian Open and only his third since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the Tour last year but the unseeded showman has hardly shown signs of rust after storming into the third round.

Wimbledon is Nick Kyrgios' first tournament since the Australian Open and only his third since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the Tour last year but the unseeded showman has hardly shown signs of rust after storming into the third round. Kyrgios' match against Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime will be only his ninth of the year but he sent out a warning when he ousted 21st seed, Ugo Humbert, in the first round in what was the Australian's first match on grass in two years. Long seen as a precocious talent who always let his emotions bring the worst out in him, Kyrgios has found a way to take that burden off his shoulders and conjure scintillating tennis at the All England Club -- playing carefree without any goals. "I just don't put that much pressure on myself anymore, I'm okay with that. I'm okay with not winning Grand Slams," Kyrgios said. "I know that's going to make a lot of people angry. 'He should be doing this,' but I shouldn't, though. "It's not your life, it's mine. I'm okay with just enjoying myself, putting on a show. Not everyone can be a (Roger) Federer or (Novak) Djokovic. These are once-in-a-decade athletes that inspire millions of people, they're just gods. "You have to have some people, I believe, that are relatable, that people can bring other fans to watch, like people that are just normal. I feel like I'm one of those people." That has been on display with members of the crowd coaching him between points. "I'm quite lighthearted. Yeah, they know it's a bit of a show. They just want entertainment at the end of the day," he added. Auger-Aliassime beat Kyrgios in a close contest in their only meeting two years ago at Queen's Club but the 20-year-old is not taking things lightly. "Nick is a great player, a great entertainer. I think he's good for tennis. He seems focused and playing well the last few matches," the Canadian said. "He has everything that a player needs to play well, especially on grass, he serves amazing." Eight-times champion Federer will return to Centre Court for his third-round match against the last British man left standing -- 29th seed Cameron Norrie. While the Swiss can usually count on having most of the crowd support no matter where he plays, on Saturday there might be more of a split. "I understand if they cheer for him and if it is for me it is because of the last 20 years and all the big wins I've had here," Federer said about his showdown with the Queen's Club runner-up. "But enough now, he needs to go out. I need to go through," he added with a laugh. American teenager Coco Gauff will look to move into the Wimbledon quarter-finals for the first time when she takes on Slovenia's Kaja Juvan, while top seed Ash Barty is up against Czech Katerina Siniakova. Meanwhile, men's second seed Daniil Medvedev faces 2017 finalist Marin Cilic.

Wimbledon 2021: Nick Kyrgios happy to be 'relatable' entertainer than tennis god

Nick Kyrgios' off-court feud with Serbian ace Novak Djokovic is known to all. The outspoken Aussie renewed his animosity after mocking world number with a Djokovic-like entrance to an empty Margaret Court Arena for his doubles match.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-osaka-back-from-the-brink-to-reach-quarter-finals-363507" hreflang="en">Australian Open: Osaka back from the brink to reach quarter-finals</a>

Ahead of his doubles' match alongside Thanasi Kokkinakis, the Australian imitated the way Djokovic celebrates victories with extravagant gestures to all four corners of a stadium.

"Just feeling the love," the maverick Australian, knocked out of the singles by Dominic Thiem on Friday night, said when asked to explain his entrance.

"Just trying to spread the good word of the celebration. Everyone loves that celebration. It's well liked."

Earlier, the Australian called the Serbian a "strange cat". This statement from Kyrgios comes after Djokovic's remarks where he said that he had little respect for the Australian off court.&nbsp;

"It's a strange one for me. I read his comments -– he said he doesn't respect me off the court," said Kyrgios, who has also previously blasted the 17-time Grand Slam winner as having "an obsession with wanting to be liked".

"It actually would make complete sense to me if he was like, 'I don't respect the guy on the court', because I understand if he doesn't agree with some of my antics on the court that I've done in the past.

"I'm not quite sure how you can't respect me off the court," he added.

Nick Kyrgios' off-court feud with Serbian ace Novak Djokovic is known to all. The outspoken Aussie renewed his animosity after mocking world number with a Djokovic-like entrance to an empty Margaret Court Arena for his doubles match.

Nick Kyrgios' off-court feud with Serbian ace Novak Djokovic is known to all. The outspoken Aussie renewed his animosity after mocking world number with a Djokovic-like entrance to an empty Margaret Court Arena for his doubles match. ALSO READ: Australian Open: Osaka back from the brink to reach quarter-finals Ahead of his doubles' match alongside Thanasi Kokkinakis, the Australian imitated the way Djokovic celebrates victories with extravagant gestures to all four corners of a stadium. "Just feeling the love," the maverick Australian, knocked out of the singles by Dominic Thiem on Friday night, said when asked to explain his entrance. "Just trying to spread the good word of the celebration. Everyone loves that celebration. It's well liked." Earlier, the Australian called the Serbian a "strange cat". This statement from Kyrgios comes after Djokovic's remarks where he said that he had little respect for the Australian off court. "It's a strange one for me. I read his comments -– he said he doesn't respect me off the court," said Kyrgios, who has also previously blasted the 17-time Grand Slam winner as having "an obsession with wanting to be liked". "It actually would make complete sense to me if he was like, 'I don't respect the guy on the court', because I understand if he doesn't agree with some of my antics on the court that I've done in the past. "I'm not quite sure how you can't respect me off the court," he added.

'Just feeling the love': Kyrgios' renews his feud with Novak Djokovic with grand entrance

Dominic Thiem produced a comeback for the ages to overhaul a fired-up Nick Kyrgios in a five-set classic at the Australian Open on Friday to send a baying crowd home in disappointment on the last night before a five-day lockdown in Melbourne.

In the bear-pit atmosphere of Kyrgios's favourite John Cain Arena, U.S. Open champion Thiem dragged himself off the canvas to secure a thrilling 4-6 4-6 6-3 6-4 6-4 win over the Australian showman to reach the fourth round.

"That first match against Nick here on his favourite court with an amazing crowd, there are easier things to do," said the Austrian third seed, who sealed the victory with a majestic backhand winner down the line.

"Surely that's one of the toughest challenges in our sport.

"Tonight was epic and a good last match before the lock-down, it's really sad to say."

A cluster of COVID-19 cases in Melbourne means there will be no more crowds at the Australian Open for at least five days but the home crowd got their money's worth, if not the desired winner.

Thiem was shell-shocked for the first two sets, barely able to lay a glove on Kyrgios who channelled the crowd's energy to produce some electrifying tennis.

HIGH TENSION

While the tension in the stadium was relentless, it was also on a knife-edge outside the arena as police on horse-back dispersed a crowd of several hundred anti-lockdown demonstrators about an hour into the match.

Inside the arena, Kyrgios stormed to a two-set lead with an impish underarm ace.

Yet from there Thiem dug in grimly, and stole the momentum from the Australian's hands by serving like a machine.

A frustrated Kyrgios smashed his racket into the court before surrendering the third set with a bungled 'tweener'.

Suddenly it was the Australian's back against the wall as a resurgent Thiem began wielding his racket like a wand.

In a moment of madness, Kyrgios bungled another 'tweener' rather than volley into an open court, squandering the chance for a 5-4 lead in the fourth set.

Thiem made him pay with three booming returns to break and at the change of ends an angst-filled Kyrgios fired a ball high into the terraces to lose an automatic point for a second code of conduct violation.

Moments later the match was level, as Kyrgios fired wide to concede the set.

Thiem bided his time before breaking Kyrgios at 3-3 in a nerve-shredding decider.

"That's ridiculous," Kyrgios said, after watching another Thiem winner sail past him before the Austrian knuckled down to serve out the match.

Dominic Thiem produced a comeback for the ages to overhaul a fired-up Nick Kyrgios in a five-set classic at the Australian Open on Friday to send a baying crowd home in disappointment on the last night before a five-day lockdown in Melbourne.

Dominic Thiem produced a comeback for the ages to overhaul a fired-up Nick Kyrgios in a five-set classic at the Australian Open on Friday to send a baying crowd home in disappointment on the last night before a five-day lockdown in Melbourne. In the bear-pit atmosphere of Kyrgios's favourite John Cain Arena, U.S. Open champion Thiem dragged himself off the canvas to secure a thrilling 4-6 4-6 6-3 6-4 6-4 win over the Australian showman to reach the fourth round. "That first match against Nick here on his favourite court with an amazing crowd, there are easier things to do," said the Austrian third seed, who sealed the victory with a majestic backhand winner down the line. "Surely that's one of the toughest challenges in our sport. "Tonight was epic and a good last match before the lock-down, it's really sad to say." A cluster of COVID-19 cases in Melbourne means there will be no more crowds at the Australian Open for at least five days but the home crowd got their money's worth, if not the desired winner. Thiem was shell-shocked for the first two sets, barely able to lay a glove on Kyrgios who channelled the crowd's energy to produce some electrifying tennis. HIGH TENSION While the tension in the stadium was relentless, it was also on a knife-edge outside the arena as police on horse-back dispersed a crowd of several hundred anti-lockdown demonstrators about an hour into the match. Inside the arena, Kyrgios stormed to a two-set lead with an impish underarm ace. Yet from there Thiem dug in grimly, and stole the momentum from the Australian's hands by serving like a machine. A frustrated Kyrgios smashed his racket into the court before surrendering the third set with a bungled 'tweener'. Suddenly it was the Australian's back against the wall as a resurgent Thiem began wielding his racket like a wand. In a moment of madness, Kyrgios bungled another 'tweener' rather than volley into an open court, squandering the chance for a 5-4 lead in the fourth set. Thiem made him pay with three booming returns to break and at the change of ends an angst-filled Kyrgios fired a ball high into the terraces to lose an automatic point for a second code of conduct violation. Moments later the match was level, as Kyrgios fired wide to concede the set. Thiem bided his time before breaking Kyrgios at 3-3 in a nerve-shredding decider. "That's ridiculous," Kyrgios said, after watching another Thiem winner sail past him before the Austrian knuckled down to serve out the match.

Australian Open: Thiem survives fired-up Kyrgios test in five-set thriller

Nick Kyrgios' off-court feud with Serbian ace Novak Djokovic is known to all. The outspoken Aussie hit back at Novak's criticism and called him a "very strange cat".&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/flawless-djokovic-crushes-chardy-in-australian-open-warning-362220" hreflang="en">'Flawless' Djokovic crushes Chardy in Australian Open warning</a>

This statement from Kyrgios comes after Djokovic's remarks where he said that he had little respect for the Australian off court.&nbsp;

"It's a strange one for me. I read his comments -– he said he doesn't respect me off the court," said Kyrgios, who has also previously blasted the 17-time Grand Slam winner as having "an obsession with wanting to be liked".

"It actually would make complete sense to me if he was like, 'I don't respect the guy on the court', because I understand if he doesn't agree with some of my antics on the court that I've done in the past.

"I'm not quite sure how you can't respect me off the court," he added.

Also see|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-djokovic-to-nadal-five-mens-singles-players-to-watch-at-the-australian-open-2021-361589" hreflang="en">From Djokovic to Nadal: Five men's singles players to watch at the Australian Open 2021</a>

"I feel like I've gone about things extremely well, especially during the pandemic."

Kyrgios talked about his time off the game last year and said that he delivered food to people in need and said that he chose to abide by Covid-19 regulations, opting not to travel for the US and French Opens. However, he took a dig at the world number one, who contracted the virus days after a video of him shirtless partying. &nbsp;

"I actually do a lot off the court," he said.

"But he's a very strange cat, Novak is. A heck of a tennis player, but unfortunately someone who's partying with his shirt off during a global pandemic, I don't know if I can take any slack from that man."

Nick Kyrgios' off-court feud with Serbian ace Novak Djokovic is known to all. The outspoken Aussie hit back at Novak's criticism and called him a "very strange cat".

Nick Kyrgios' off-court feud with Serbian ace Novak Djokovic is known to all. The outspoken Aussie hit back at Novak's criticism and called him a "very strange cat". Also read: 'Flawless' Djokovic crushes Chardy in Australian Open warning This statement from Kyrgios comes after Djokovic's remarks where he said that he had little respect for the Australian off court. "It's a strange one for me. I read his comments -– he said he doesn't respect me off the court," said Kyrgios, who has also previously blasted the 17-time Grand Slam winner as having "an obsession with wanting to be liked". "It actually would make complete sense to me if he was like, 'I don't respect the guy on the court', because I understand if he doesn't agree with some of my antics on the court that I've done in the past. "I'm not quite sure how you can't respect me off the court," he added. Also see| From Djokovic to Nadal: Five men's singles players to watch at the Australian Open 2021 "I feel like I've gone about things extremely well, especially during the pandemic." Kyrgios talked about his time off the game last year and said that he delivered food to people in need and said that he chose to abide by Covid-19 regulations, opting not to travel for the US and French Opens. However, he took a dig at the world number one, who contracted the virus days after a video of him shirtless partying. "I actually do a lot off the court," he said. "But he's a very strange cat, Novak is. A heck of a tennis player, but unfortunately someone who's partying with his shirt off during a global pandemic, I don't know if I can take any slack from that man."

'He's a very strange cat': Nick Kyrgios hits back at Novak Djokovic

Nick Kyrgios' meltdowns during the tennis matches are known to all. However, the outspoken Aussie took it too far when he smashed his racquet and threw it in the stands while swearing during Friday's 6-3 6-4 defeat by Borna Coric in the Murray River Open at Melbourne Park.

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The 25-year-old was warned for bad language and docked a point for unsportsmanlike conduct after the incident. Kyrgios was visibly in pain as he struggled with a left knee issue and needed treatment midway through the match at the Australian Open warm-up event.

<img alt="kk" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aac6fd49-ec9a-4f06-8512-430cb5fbef4c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_91.jpg" />

"I can't serve without pain. When I land it feels unstable," local media quoted Kyrgios as telling a trainer between sets.

"I'll probably just play one more game. I'm serving at like 170(kph) instead of 220."

The Australian ace, who is playing his first tournament in a year due to COVID-19 pandemic, was warned by the chair umpire for swearing at 4-4 in the second set.

Kyrgios smashed his racquet after his serve was broken, he later threw it into the stands.&nbsp;

In the previous match, Nick needed assurances from a tournament supervisor that he would not be fined by the ATP for his behaviour in the last round against Harry Bourchier before agreeing to play on. 
&nbsp;

Nick Kyrgios' meltdowns during the tennis matches are known to all. However, the outspoken Aussie took it too far when he smashed his racquet and threw it in the stands while swearing during Friday's 6-3 6-4 defeat by Borna Coric in the Murray River Open at Melbourne Park.

Nick Kyrgios' meltdowns during the tennis matches are known to all. However, the outspoken Aussie took it too far when he smashed his racquet and threw it in the stands while swearing during Friday's 6-3 6-4 defeat by Borna Coric in the Murray River Open at Melbourne Park. ALSO READ: Nadal continues to struggle with back problem ahead of Australian Open The 25-year-old was warned for bad language and docked a point for unsportsmanlike conduct after the incident. Kyrgios was visibly in pain as he struggled with a left knee issue and needed treatment midway through the match at the Australian Open warm-up event. "I can't serve without pain. When I land it feels unstable," local media quoted Kyrgios as telling a trainer between sets. "I'll probably just play one more game. I'm serving at like 170(kph) instead of 220." The Australian ace, who is playing his first tournament in a year due to COVID-19 pandemic, was warned by the chair umpire for swearing at 4-4 in the second set. Kyrgios smashed his racquet after his serve was broken, he later threw it into the stands. In the previous match, Nick needed assurances from a tournament supervisor that he would not be fined by the ATP for his behaviour in the last round against Harry Bourchier before agreeing to play on.

Furious Nick Kyrgios' smashes racquet and throws it in stands during Murray River Open

Australian ace Nick Kyrgios on Wednesday had a meltdown during an argument over a time violation while serving at the Murray River Open.&nbsp;

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The outspoken Australian, who was leading the match against Harry Bourchier (6-2, 5-5 at that point), walked up to umpire Nacho Forcadelle declaring: "I'm not playing, sorry mate."

Kyrgios, who went on to win the match, said that he was unhappy with the umpire's decision and claimed that he had already begun his service motion.

"It's like you're just doing it to be funny," he fumed at the umpire. "Do you think you're funny?"

He demanded the match supervisor be called, telling the chair official: "When will you guys realise it's not about you. You're just an extra for all of us."

Kyrgios' opponent Bourchier suggested the Aussie to get on with the game, where Nick said: "I want to talk about it now. I've lost enough money to these peanuts."

After winning the match 6-2, 7-6 (9/7), Kyrgios said, "I just like playing by the rules.

"And I just didn't want to play until I was sure I wasn't going to get fined because the ATP are pretty rough all the time, they fine me so much money." &nbsp;

Kyrgios is known for having such meltdowns during the match, for which the Australian has been fined several times. He is also playing his first tournament in a year after a wrist injury and then the coronavirus pandemic brought his 2020 season to a halt.

His win set up a clash next against Croat Borna Coric.

Australian ace Nick Kyrgios on Wednesday had a meltdown during an argument over a time violation while serving at the Murray River Open. ALSO READ: Zverev battles to ATP Cup win over Shapovalov, Italy reach semis The outspoken Australian, who was leading the match against Harry Bourchier (6-2, 5-5 at that point), walked up to umpire Nacho Forcadelle declaring: "I'm not playing, sorry mate.

Australian ace Nick Kyrgios on Wednesday had a meltdown during an argument over a time violation while serving at the Murray River Open. ALSO READ: Zverev battles to ATP Cup win over Shapovalov, Italy reach semis The outspoken Australian, who was leading the match against Harry Bourchier (6-2, 5-5 at that point), walked up to umpire Nacho Forcadelle declaring: "I'm not playing, sorry mate." Kyrgios, who went on to win the match, said that he was unhappy with the umpire's decision and claimed that he had already begun his service motion. "It's like you're just doing it to be funny," he fumed at the umpire. "Do you think you're funny?" He demanded the match supervisor be called, telling the chair official: "When will you guys realise it's not about you. You're just an extra for all of us." Kyrgios' opponent Bourchier suggested the Aussie to get on with the game, where Nick said: "I want to talk about it now. I've lost enough money to these peanuts." After winning the match 6-2, 7-6 (9/7), Kyrgios said, "I just like playing by the rules. "And I just didn't want to play until I was sure I wasn't going to get fined because the ATP are pretty rough all the time, they fine me so much money." Kyrgios is known for having such meltdowns during the match, for which the Australian has been fined several times. He is also playing his first tournament in a year after a wrist injury and then the coronavirus pandemic brought his 2020 season to a halt. His win set up a clash next against Croat Borna Coric.

'Do you think you're funny?': Nick Kyrgios has a meltdown at Murray River Open

Tennis star Nick Kyrgios will be returning to action after staying away from the game for a year. The outspoken Aussie revealed that he did not miss the game and most of his fellow players during his time off the tennis.&nbsp;

Kyrgios is set to lock horns with Frenchman Alexandre Muller in the opening round of the Murray River Open on Monday in what would be his first competitive match in a year.

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"I'm not going to lie. I didn't miss the game that much," Kyrgios said on Saturday.

"I'm a competitor. I compete with everything I do. I was playing computer games, that kind of stuff, getting my little competitive edge there. I didn't really miss the game at all."

Nick went on to say that he did not touch the tennis racquet for the initial four-five months of the year-long break as he wanted to get away from the game.&nbsp;

"I don't miss too many people on tour, to be honest, apart from all the Australian guys and a couple of good friends."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-plan-b-japans-sponsors-shelve-ads-as-mood-sours-over-olympics-360044" hreflang="en">'No Plan B': Japan's sponsors shelve ads as mood sours over Olympics</a>

Kyrgios was involved in plenty of controversies during the lockdown as he openly criticised world number one Novak Djokovic, after Serbian contracted the virus. He even got into a social media banter with Tennis legend Boris Becker, who tried defending Djokovic.&nbsp;

However, the Australian criticised the Serbian ace again, earlier this month, after Djokovic had asked the Australian Open organisers to ease quarantine restrictions for players.

Kyrgios said he was lucky to have spent a "crazy year" with his family and friends before resuming training with compatriot Jordan Thompson.

"I feel mentally completely refreshed, ready to go again."

"I feel like I am playing well and am ready to go. Everyone is really playing it by ear. Nobody really knows who is in form and who is not.

"I'm going to take it day by day and try to enjoy myself as much as I can."

(Inputs from Reuters)

Tennis star Nick Kyrgios will be returning to action after staying away from the game for a year. The outspoken Aussie revealed that he did not miss the game and most of his fellow players during his time off the tennis.

Tennis star Nick Kyrgios will be returning to action after staying away from the game for a year. The outspoken Aussie revealed that he did not miss the game and most of his fellow players during his time off the tennis. Kyrgios is set to lock horns with Frenchman Alexandre Muller in the opening round of the Murray River Open on Monday in what would be his first competitive match in a year. ALSO READ: Aus Open: Top-ranked Ashleigh Barty thrilled to be back playing again "I'm not going to lie. I didn't miss the game that much," Kyrgios said on Saturday. "I'm a competitor. I compete with everything I do. I was playing computer games, that kind of stuff, getting my little competitive edge there. I didn't really miss the game at all." Nick went on to say that he did not touch the tennis racquet for the initial four-five months of the year-long break as he wanted to get away from the game. "I don't miss too many people on tour, to be honest, apart from all the Australian guys and a couple of good friends." ALSO READ: 'No Plan B': Japan's sponsors shelve ads as mood sours over Olympics Kyrgios was involved in plenty of controversies during the lockdown as he openly criticised world number one Novak Djokovic, after Serbian contracted the virus. He even got into a social media banter with Tennis legend Boris Becker, who tried defending Djokovic. However, the Australian criticised the Serbian ace again, earlier this month, after Djokovic had asked the Australian Open organisers to ease quarantine restrictions for players. Kyrgios said he was lucky to have spent a "crazy year" with his family and friends before resuming training with compatriot Jordan Thompson. "I feel mentally completely refreshed, ready to go again." "I feel like I am playing well and am ready to go. Everyone is really playing it by ear. Nobody really knows who is in form and who is not. "I'm going to take it day by day and try to enjoy myself as much as I can." (Inputs from Reuters)

'I'm not going to lie. I didn't miss the game that much': Nick Kyrgios

Australia's Nick Kyrgios dismissed world number one Novak Djokovic as a "tool" as a backlash grew against tennis players flown in for the Australian Open during a raging pandemic.

Kyrgios joined a wave of criticism of the Serb for reportedly issuing a list of demands for quarantined players who have arrived in Melbourne and Adelaide on chartered flights.

The arrival of more than 1,000 players and staff, including four people who tested positive, has raised hackles in a country which is largely coronavirus-free, and especially in Melbourne which came out of a four-month lockdown in October.

"Djokovic is a tool," Kyrgios tweeted, after the Serb led a chorus of player complaints about conditions in locked-down hotel rooms.&nbsp;

At least 72 players have been barred from leaving their rooms for two weeks after coronavirus cases were detected on their charter flights into the country.&nbsp;

Others are allowed out of their rooms for up to five hours a day to train under strictly-controlled conditions.

The 33-year-old Serb and reigning Australian Open champion is among several stars -- others include Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka and Rafael Nadal -- who were allowed to fly into Adelaide where they enjoy better facilities such as balconies on their hotel rooms, unlike the majority in Melbourne, the Australian Open's host city.

But Djokovic reportedly issued a list of demands in a letter to Tennis Australia that included moving quarantined players into private homes with tennis courts and getting them better meals.&nbsp;

Australian media zeroed in on the demands, portraying them as petulant and selfish, while showing images of Djokovic not wearing a mask in a players' minibus, which would be required in most taxis and rideshares in Australia.

Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews smashed back Djokovic's demands. "There's no special treatment here. Because the virus doesn't treat you specially, so neither do we," he said on Monday.

In Australia many are also questioning why the players and staff were flown in for the event, when tens of thousands of Australians remain stranded overseas.

Meanwhile Kyrgios also took aim at fellow Australian player Bernard Tomic's girlfriend, Vanessa Sierra, after she complained in an online video about cold food and having to wash her own hair in quarantine.

"I don't mind Bernie but his Mrs obviously has no perspective, ridiculous scenes," Kyrgios said on Twitter.

Djokovic's actions around the tournament are being closely watched, in part due to his seeming nonchalance about the virus in the past.&nbsp;

Last year, the 17-time major champion organised a series of exhibition events in the Balkans at which social distancing was minimal.

He and several other players later tested positive for the virus, as well as his wife Jelena.

Despite the controversies, the Australian Open is due to begin in Melbourne on February 8, having already been delayed three weeks.

Australia's Nick Kyrgios dismissed world number one Novak Djokovic as a "tool" as a backlash grew against tennis players flown in for the Australian Open during a raging pandemic.

Australia's Nick Kyrgios dismissed world number one Novak Djokovic as a "tool" as a backlash grew against tennis players flown in for the Australian Open during a raging pandemic. Kyrgios joined a wave of criticism of the Serb for reportedly issuing a list of demands for quarantined players who have arrived in Melbourne and Adelaide on chartered flights. The arrival of more than 1,000 players and staff, including four people who tested positive, has raised hackles in a country which is largely coronavirus-free, and especially in Melbourne which came out of a four-month lockdown in October. "Djokovic is a tool," Kyrgios tweeted, after the Serb led a chorus of player complaints about conditions in locked-down hotel rooms. At least 72 players have been barred from leaving their rooms for two weeks after coronavirus cases were detected on their charter flights into the country. Others are allowed out of their rooms for up to five hours a day to train under strictly-controlled conditions. The 33-year-old Serb and reigning Australian Open champion is among several stars -- others include Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka and Rafael Nadal -- who were allowed to fly into Adelaide where they enjoy better facilities such as balconies on their hotel rooms, unlike the majority in Melbourne, the Australian Open's host city. But Djokovic reportedly issued a list of demands in a letter to Tennis Australia that included moving quarantined players into private homes with tennis courts and getting them better meals. Australian media zeroed in on the demands, portraying them as petulant and selfish, while showing images of Djokovic not wearing a mask in a players' minibus, which would be required in most taxis and rideshares in Australia. Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews smashed back Djokovic's demands. "There's no special treatment here. Because the virus doesn't treat you specially, so neither do we," he said on Monday. In Australia many are also questioning why the players and staff were flown in for the event, when tens of thousands of Australians remain stranded overseas. Meanwhile Kyrgios also took aim at fellow Australian player Bernard Tomic's girlfriend, Vanessa Sierra, after she complained in an online video about cold food and having to wash her own hair in quarantine. "I don't mind Bernie but his Mrs obviously has no perspective, ridiculous scenes," Kyrgios said on Twitter. Djokovic's actions around the tournament are being closely watched, in part due to his seeming nonchalance about the virus in the past. Last year, the 17-time major champion organised a series of exhibition events in the Balkans at which social distancing was minimal. He and several other players later tested positive for the virus, as well as his wife Jelena. Despite the controversies, the Australian Open is due to begin in Melbourne on February 8, having already been delayed three weeks.

Kyrgios slams 'tool' Djokovic as Australian Open tensions run high

Aussie tennis star Nick Kyrgios's last competitive match was in early February at Acapulco after which he decided to stay at home when the circuit resumed in Europe and North America.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-finals-novak-djokovic-eyes-record-equaling-win-to-end-year-on-high-343065">ATP FINALS: Novak Djokovic eyes record-equaling win to end year on high</a>

Kyrgios, recently in an interview, said that he was already considering taking a year off from tennis before the pandemic. However, the COVID-19 lockdown provided him with the "perfect" opportunity for a reset. &nbsp;

Earlier, Kyrgios had also said that he did not have a passion for tennis, said he was considering a lengthy spell away from the game after seeing a psychiatrist before the start of the season.

"I was thinking maybe it was time for me to just take a year off," Kyrgios said in a typically frank interview in Saturday's Sydney Morning Herald.

"I couldn't look at a tennis court. I had no happy feelings. I had no desire to be out there. I had no motivation. I had no need for growth out there.

"I was just going through the motions. It wasn't making me happy. If anything it was decreasing my energy. It was a negative impact on my life."

The "unfortunate circumstances" of the global health crisis could not have suited him better, Kyrgios said.

"This time has been perfect," he added. "I've had it off where I can completely reset and dabble in a couple of areas where my passion was, be back in my community, be back in my home and just get a complete reset. That's what I was thinking about doing."

Aussie tennis star Nick Kyrgios's last competitive match was in early February at Acapulco after which he decided to stay at home when the circuit resumed in Europe and North America.

Aussie tennis star Nick Kyrgios's last competitive match was in early February at Acapulco after which he decided to stay at home when the circuit resumed in Europe and North America. Also read: ATP FINALS: Novak Djokovic eyes record-equaling win to end year on high Kyrgios, recently in an interview, said that he was already considering taking a year off from tennis before the pandemic. However, the COVID-19 lockdown provided him with the "perfect" opportunity for a reset. Earlier, Kyrgios had also said that he did not have a passion for tennis, said he was considering a lengthy spell away from the game after seeing a psychiatrist before the start of the season. "I was thinking maybe it was time for me to just take a year off," Kyrgios said in a typically frank interview in Saturday's Sydney Morning Herald. "I couldn't look at a tennis court. I had no happy feelings. I had no desire to be out there. I had no motivation. I had no need for growth out there. "I was just going through the motions. It wasn't making me happy. If anything it was decreasing my energy. It was a negative impact on my life." The "unfortunate circumstances" of the global health crisis could not have suited him better, Kyrgios said. "This time has been perfect," he added. "I've had it off where I can completely reset and dabble in a couple of areas where my passion was, be back in my community, be back in my home and just get a complete reset. That's what I was thinking about doing."

COVID-19 lockdown provided 'perfect' opportunity for reset, says Kyrgios

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