Australian Nick Kyrgios was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nick-kyrgios-calls-novak-djokovic-cringeworthy-and-rafael-nadal-salty-in-unfiltered-podcast-219103">disqualified from the Italian Open</a> on Thursday after storming off court during his second round match against Norwegian Casper Ruud.

The controversial figure, who had made headlines by criticising other players including <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/italian-open-roger-federer-rafael-nadal-and-naomi-osaka-through-to-last-16-219212">Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal </a>in an interview on Wednesday, started arguing with the umpire in the third set.

Kyrgios had levelled the match at one set all but was given a game penalty early on in the third set for swearing.

His response was to kick a water bottle before throwing a chair, packing his bag and then storming off court, shouting "I am f****** done".

Ruud won through 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 2-1 to advance to the third round.

Australian Nick Kyrgios was disqualified from the Italian Open on Thursday after storming off court during his second round match against Norwegian Casper Ruud. The controversial figure, who had made headlines by criticising other players including Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal in an interview on Wednesday, started arguing with the umpire in the third set.

Australian Nick Kyrgios was disqualified from the Italian Open on Thursday after storming off court during his second round match against Norwegian Casper Ruud. The controversial figure, who had made headlines by criticising other players including Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal in an interview on Wednesday, started arguing with the umpire in the third set. Kyrgios had levelled the match at one set all but was given a game penalty early on in the third set for swearing. His response was to kick a water bottle before throwing a chair, packing his bag and then storming off court, shouting "I am f****** done". Ruud won through 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 2-1 to advance to the third round.

Kyrgios kicks water bottle, throws chair & gets disqualified from Italian Open

Having annoyed Rafa Nadal with an underarm serve at Acapulco, Nick Kyrgios doubled down with the tactic to win two points against hapless Serb Dusan Lajovic at the Miami Open and fire up a timeworn debate between modern fans and purists.

The mercurial Australian has been sanctioned for a litany of tennis offences, accused of tanking matches and slapped with a heavy fine for a crude remark about a player's girlfriend.

But in dinking the ball over the net with a sneaky under-arm swing, Kyrgios was operating completely within the laws of the game, if not quite the "spirit", as Nadal and others might have complained.

For a self-described lazy trainer, the 23-year-old has clearly put some time into honing the tactic since his effort against former world number one Nadal floated well beyond the service box.

The first attempt at 3-1 in the first set against unseeded Lajovic might have been regarded as text-book execution, if there existed such a consensus.

With the Serb standing well behind the baseline, Kyrgios leant over the ball, bounced it a few times and without looking up, flicked it just over the net.

It landed with enough slice to bounce twice for an ace and seal the game, leaving a flat-footed Lajovic no chance to reply.

More casually struck, Kyrgios's second effort lacked something in execution, allowing Lajovic to swoop in and easily make the retrieve.

But the Australian was ready for the Serb's drop-shot return, and flicked it past him to close out the first set.

British tennis luminary Judy Murray thrilled in the tactic.

"The whole point of tennis competition is to disrupt (yo)ur opponents game by applying pressure through changing the speed, spin, direction, depth or height of the ball," the former Fed Cup captain and mother of Andy Murray tweeted.

"And that includes the serve. Kyrgios is a genius. I’m surprised more players don’t do it."

SPORTING TABOOS&nbsp;

Belgian professional Kirsten Flipkens was among the social media users backing Murray's stance, but there were plenty of detractors denouncing under-arm serving as questionable sportsmanship.

The debate between the laws and "the spirit" of the game is not unique to tennis, with a number of other sports having their own taboos.

Cricket was in uproar on Tuesday after Indian bowler <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-jos-buttler-mankaded-by-r-ashwin-twitter-slams-punjab-captain-205606">Ravichandran Ashwin ran out English batsman Jos Buttler with the rarely used but entirely permissible "Mankad"</a> dismissal in the Indian Premier League match on the previous evening. [nL3N21D0QG]

As an Australian, Kyrgios will be well aware that a ball delivered underarm in a cricket match in 1981 triggered one of the biggest sporting scandals in the country`s history.&nbsp;

Australia's Trevor Chappell rolled the ball along the pitch to prevent New Zealand batsman Brian McKechnie from scoring enough runs to win a match. It was perfectly legal at the time, but universally condemned.

In tennis, the frowning of opponents and conservative fans has likely made most players think twice about taking up under-arm serving as a tactic.

Five-times Grand Slam champion Martina Hingis was jeered vociferously by the crowd during the 1999 French Open final when she tried it against Steffi Graf on the way to defeat.

Roger Federer, however, said another concern was simply looking silly.

"Shouldn`t be ashamed if you try it. Just look silly if you miss," the Swiss Master said after Kyrgios'&nbsp;effort against Nadal.

For a maverick like Kyrgios, who regularly squanders points on botched `tweeners and other trick shots, the threat of embarrassment is unlikely to be a deterrent.

Having annoyed Rafa Nadal with an underarm serve at Acapulco, Nick Kyrgios doubled down with the tactic to win two points against hapless Serb Dusan Lajovic at the Miami Open and fire up a timeworn debate between modern fans and purists.

Having annoyed Rafa Nadal with an underarm serve at Acapulco, Nick Kyrgios doubled down with the tactic to win two points against hapless Serb Dusan Lajovic at the Miami Open and fire up a timeworn debate between modern fans and purists. The mercurial Australian has been sanctioned for a litany of tennis offences, accused of tanking matches and slapped with a heavy fine for a crude remark about a player's girlfriend. But in dinking the ball over the net with a sneaky under-arm swing, Kyrgios was operating completely within the laws of the game, if not quite the "spirit", as Nadal and others might have complained. For a self-described lazy trainer, the 23-year-old has clearly put some time into honing the tactic since his effort against former world number one Nadal floated well beyond the service box. The first attempt at 3-1 in the first set against unseeded Lajovic might have been regarded as text-book execution, if there existed such a consensus. With the Serb standing well behind the baseline, Kyrgios leant over the ball, bounced it a few times and without looking up, flicked it just over the net. It landed with enough slice to bounce twice for an ace and seal the game, leaving a flat-footed Lajovic no chance to reply. More casually struck, Kyrgios's second effort lacked something in execution, allowing Lajovic to swoop in and easily make the retrieve. But the Australian was ready for the Serb's drop-shot return, and flicked it past him to close out the first set. British tennis luminary Judy Murray thrilled in the tactic. "The whole point of tennis competition is to disrupt (yo)ur opponents game by applying pressure through changing the speed, spin, direction, depth or height of the ball," the former Fed Cup captain and mother of Andy Murray tweeted. "And that includes the serve. Kyrgios is a genius. I’m surprised more players don’t do it." SPORTING TABOOS Belgian professional Kirsten Flipkens was among the social media users backing Murray's stance, but there were plenty of detractors denouncing under-arm serving as questionable sportsmanship. The debate between the laws and "the spirit" of the game is not unique to tennis, with a number of other sports having their own taboos. Cricket was in uproar on Tuesday after Indian bowler Ravichandran Ashwin ran out English batsman Jos Buttler with the rarely used but entirely permissible "Mankad" dismissal in the Indian Premier League match on the previous evening. [nL3N21D0QG] As an Australian, Kyrgios will be well aware that a ball delivered underarm in a cricket match in 1981 triggered one of the biggest sporting scandals in the country`s history. Australia's Trevor Chappell rolled the ball along the pitch to prevent New Zealand batsman Brian McKechnie from scoring enough runs to win a match. It was perfectly legal at the time, but universally condemned. In tennis, the frowning of opponents and conservative fans has likely made most players think twice about taking up under-arm serving as a tactic. Five-times Grand Slam champion Martina Hingis was jeered vociferously by the crowd during the 1999 French Open final when she tried it against Steffi Graf on the way to defeat. Roger Federer, however, said another concern was simply looking silly. "Shouldn`t be ashamed if you try it. Just look silly if you miss," the Swiss Master said after Kyrgios' effort against Nadal. For a maverick like Kyrgios, who regularly squanders points on botched `tweeners and other trick shots, the threat of embarrassment is unlikely to be a deterrent.

Underarm or underhanded? Nick Kyrgios serve stokes debate

Nick Kyrgios saved his best performance of a brilliant week for last as the Australian stunned second seed Alexander Zverev 6-3, 6-4 to win the Acapulco International in Mexico on Saturday (March 2) for his fifth career ATP title.

The temperamental Aussie, whose scintillating run to the final included wins over multiple grand slam winners Stan Wawrinka and Rafa Nadal, played free and focused from the outset and frustrated German Zverev with a steady diet of drop shots.

Former world number 13 Kyrgios, who has fallen to 72 in the rankings, converted three of his break point opportunities and sealed the win on his first championship point with a massive serve that was too much for world number three Zverev to handle.

After a week in which he fired back at Nadal for criticising his behaviour on the court, Kyrgios was full of compliments for Zverev, 21, after being presented with the championship silver pear trophy and a black sombrero.

"You're tame, you're so professional, you're an example to any tennis player and I think I can take a leaf out of your book and maybe I can catch you on some titles one day," said Kyrgios.

The 23-year-old Australian struck first and emphatically when he broke at love in the fourth game of the opening set and consolidated the break to go ahead 4-1, triggering a frustrated Zverev to smash his racquet beyond repair on the hard court.

Kyrgios opened the second set with a break but then looked like he may start to crack when he found himself staring down a break point in the next game and double-faulted, allowing Zverev to draw level at 1-1.

But Kyrgios' nerves held up and he broke again in the fifth game and then held steady the rest of the way as he collected his first tournament win since Brisbane in January 2018.

Zverev, competing in only his second tournament of the year after crashing out of the fourth round of the Australian Open, arrived in the final in solid form having not dropped a set all week but had no answer for Kyrgios.

With the win, Kyrgios improved to 4-3 in career head-to-head meetings against Zverev.

Nick Kyrgios saved his best performance of a brilliant week for last as the Australian stunned second seed Alexander Zverev 6-3, 6-4 to win the Acapulco International in Mexico on Saturday (March 2) for his fifth career ATP title.

Nick Kyrgios saved his best performance of a brilliant week for last as the Australian stunned second seed Alexander Zverev 6-3, 6-4 to win the Acapulco International in Mexico on Saturday (March 2) for his fifth career ATP title. The temperamental Aussie, whose scintillating run to the final included wins over multiple grand slam winners Stan Wawrinka and Rafa Nadal, played free and focused from the outset and frustrated German Zverev with a steady diet of drop shots. Former world number 13 Kyrgios, who has fallen to 72 in the rankings, converted three of his break point opportunities and sealed the win on his first championship point with a massive serve that was too much for world number three Zverev to handle. After a week in which he fired back at Nadal for criticising his behaviour on the court, Kyrgios was full of compliments for Zverev, 21, after being presented with the championship silver pear trophy and a black sombrero. "You're tame, you're so professional, you're an example to any tennis player and I think I can take a leaf out of your book and maybe I can catch you on some titles one day," said Kyrgios. The 23-year-old Australian struck first and emphatically when he broke at love in the fourth game of the opening set and consolidated the break to go ahead 4-1, triggering a frustrated Zverev to smash his racquet beyond repair on the hard court. Kyrgios opened the second set with a break but then looked like he may start to crack when he found himself staring down a break point in the next game and double-faulted, allowing Zverev to draw level at 1-1. But Kyrgios' nerves held up and he broke again in the fifth game and then held steady the rest of the way as he collected his first tournament win since Brisbane in January 2018. Zverev, competing in only his second tournament of the year after crashing out of the fourth round of the Australian Open, arrived in the final in solid form having not dropped a set all week but had no answer for Kyrgios. With the win, Kyrgios improved to 4-3 in career head-to-head meetings against Zverev.

Nick Kyrgios beats Alexander Zverev to win Acapulco title

World number three Alexander Zverev powered into his first ATP final of 2019 on Friday, downing Britain's Cameron Norrie 7-6 (7/0), 6-3 in Acapulco.

The 21-year-old German, playing just his second tournament of the year after crashing out of the fourth round of the Australian Open, will fight for the title against either third-seeded John Isner or Nick Kyrgios -- who has reached the last four with victories over 17-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal and three-time Grand Slam winner Stan Wawrinka.

Zverev, the second seed, has gone one better than he did in his Acapulco debut last year, when he fell to eventual champion Juan Martin del Potro in the semis.

He hasn't dropped a set all week, and was convincing against the 64th-ranked Norrie.

Unable to serve out the first set, Zverev raced through the tiebreaker and quickly seized a 3-0 lead in the second set, relying on a strong baseline game and 10 aces.

"It was very tough. It was pretty windy out here, not easy conditions, and his game actually I think fits the wind quite well, so it was not easy," Zverev said. "I'm just happy to be through. At this stage, you've got to win matches, no matter how. I'm just happy to be in the final."&nbsp;

In women's semi-final action, China's Wang Yafan ousted third-seeded Croatian Donna Vekic 2-6, 6-3, 6-1 to reach her first WTA Tour final.

She'll face fifth-seeded American Sofia Kenin, who defeated Canadian Bianca Andreescu 6-4, 3-6, 7-5.

After dropping the first set Wang -- 24 and ranked 65th in the world -- squeaked through in a second set that featured just one hold of serve.

Although 28th-ranked Vekic converted all six of her break points against Wang, 39 unforced errors ultimately proved too much to overcome and Wang didn't face a break point in the final set.

"It was a tough match. I tried to fight for every point," Wang said.

Kenin will be looking for her second title of 2019, having broken through for her first WTA crown at Hobart in January.

World number three Alexander Zverev powered into his first ATP final of 2019 on Friday, downing Britain's Cameron Norrie 7-6 (7/0), 6-3 in Acapulco. The 21-year-old German, playing just his second tournament of the year after crashing out of the fourth round of the Australian Open, will fight for the title against either third-seeded John Isner or Nick Kyrgios -- who has reached the last four with victories over 17-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal and three-time Grand Slam winner Stan Wawrinka.

World number three Alexander Zverev powered into his first ATP final of 2019 on Friday, downing Britain's Cameron Norrie 7-6 (7/0), 6-3 in Acapulco. The 21-year-old German, playing just his second tournament of the year after crashing out of the fourth round of the Australian Open, will fight for the title against either third-seeded John Isner or Nick Kyrgios -- who has reached the last four with victories over 17-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal and three-time Grand Slam winner Stan Wawrinka. Zverev, the second seed, has gone one better than he did in his Acapulco debut last year, when he fell to eventual champion Juan Martin del Potro in the semis. He hasn't dropped a set all week, and was convincing against the 64th-ranked Norrie. Unable to serve out the first set, Zverev raced through the tiebreaker and quickly seized a 3-0 lead in the second set, relying on a strong baseline game and 10 aces. "It was very tough. It was pretty windy out here, not easy conditions, and his game actually I think fits the wind quite well, so it was not easy," Zverev said. "I'm just happy to be through. At this stage, you've got to win matches, no matter how. I'm just happy to be in the final." In women's semi-final action, China's Wang Yafan ousted third-seeded Croatian Donna Vekic 2-6, 6-3, 6-1 to reach her first WTA Tour final. She'll face fifth-seeded American Sofia Kenin, who defeated Canadian Bianca Andreescu 6-4, 3-6, 7-5. After dropping the first set Wang -- 24 and ranked 65th in the world -- squeaked through in a second set that featured just one hold of serve. Although 28th-ranked Vekic converted all six of her break points against Wang, 39 unforced errors ultimately proved too much to overcome and Wang didn't face a break point in the final set. "It was a tough match. I tried to fight for every point," Wang said. Kenin will be looking for her second title of 2019, having broken through for her first WTA crown at Hobart in January.

Alexander Zverev powers into Acapulco final

Nick Kyrgios scripted his third major victory of the week on Friday when he defeated John Isner 7-5, 5-7, 7-6(7) to set up a showdown <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/alexander-zverev-powers-into-acapulco-final-200650">against Alexander Zverev in the final</a> of the Acapulco International in Mexico.

The 23-year-old Australian followed victories over multiple grand slam winners Stan Wawrinka and Rafa Nadal with a hard-fought win over Isner, the American who sits 63 places above him in the world rankings.

Breakpoints and chances were few and far between in sultry conditions on Mexico's Pacific coast with each player struggling to find that little bit extra.

Isner won more points on serve and return overall but the temperamental Aussie came through when it mattered, particularly in the third set tiebreak, which he finished with a masterful drop shot from the baseline.

He will next meet world number three Zverev, who beat Briton Cameron Norrie 7-6(0), 6-3 in the earlier semi-final.

Zverev, who has won nine ATP titles in the last two years, was just too good for the 23-year old Briton and at one stage won 24 of the 30 points on offer.

The German, 21, has not lost a set all week in an impressive charge towards the final, his first of 2019.

"It was very tough. It was pretty windy out here, not easy conditions, and his game actually I think fits the wind quite well, so it was not easy," Zverev said.

"I'm just happy to be through. At this stage, you've got to win matches, no matter how. I'm just happy to be in the final."&nbsp;

Kyrgios and Zverev have shared the spoils of their previous six meetings with three victories each, however, Zverev won their previous two matches last year.

Nick Kyrgios scripted his third major victory of the week on Friday when he defeated John Isner 7-5, 5-7, 7-6(7) to set up a showdown against Alexander Zverev in the final of the Acapulco International in Mexico.

Nick Kyrgios scripted his third major victory of the week on Friday when he defeated John Isner 7-5, 5-7, 7-6(7) to set up a showdown against Alexander Zverev in the final of the Acapulco International in Mexico. The 23-year-old Australian followed victories over multiple grand slam winners Stan Wawrinka and Rafa Nadal with a hard-fought win over Isner, the American who sits 63 places above him in the world rankings. Breakpoints and chances were few and far between in sultry conditions on Mexico's Pacific coast with each player struggling to find that little bit extra. Isner won more points on serve and return overall but the temperamental Aussie came through when it mattered, particularly in the third set tiebreak, which he finished with a masterful drop shot from the baseline. He will next meet world number three Zverev, who beat Briton Cameron Norrie 7-6(0), 6-3 in the earlier semi-final. Zverev, who has won nine ATP titles in the last two years, was just too good for the 23-year old Briton and at one stage won 24 of the 30 points on offer. The German, 21, has not lost a set all week in an impressive charge towards the final, his first of 2019. "It was very tough. It was pretty windy out here, not easy conditions, and his game actually I think fits the wind quite well, so it was not easy," Zverev said. "I'm just happy to be through. At this stage, you've got to win matches, no matter how. I'm just happy to be in the final." Kyrgios and Zverev have shared the spoils of their previous six meetings with three victories each, however, Zverev won their previous two matches last year.

Nick Kyrgios beats Isner to set up Acapulco final against Zverev

A focused Nick Kyrgios overcame a hand injury, leg cramps and a strong performance from Stan Wawrinka to prevail 7-5, 6-7(3), 6-4 and advance to the semi-finals of the Acapulco International on Thursday.&nbsp;

The mercurial Australian, who defeated Rafa Nadal the night before in a match where the Spaniard later criticized Kyrgios' on-court demeanor, outplayed Wawrinka in the match's biggest moments despite playing in front of spectators who vocally backed the Swiss.

"I actually play better when the crowd is against me and giving me a bit of stink," the 23-year-old said.

"I love it. It gets me going."

The night did not begin well for the hard-hitting Kyrgios, who slipped while thumping a backhand in the first game, opening up a cut on his right hand that required medical attention.

Leg cramps followed in the deciding set but nothing could derail Kyrgios, who won his final service game at love to keep his hopes of a maiden championship at the tournament alive.

"In the first game I just tripped over. I'm not the smoothest mover on tour and I tripped over and grazed my hand," he said.

"And the cramping was tough toward the end."

Next up for Kyrgios is big-serving American John Isner, who fired 38 aces to dispatch Australian John Millman 7-6(2), 6-7(4), 7-6(4) in a marathon match to end the day.

Earlier in the hot and humid conditions Briton Cameron Norrie cruised past American Mackenzie McDonald 6-3 6-2 to book his ticket to the semis.

Norrie will face second-seeded German Alexander Zverev, who did not face a break point en route to a 6-4 6-4 win over Australian Alex de Minaur.

A focused Nick Kyrgios overcame a hand injury, leg cramps and a strong performance from Stan Wawrinka to prevail 7-5, 6-7(3), 6-4 and advance to the semi-finals of the Acapulco International on Thursday.

A focused Nick Kyrgios overcame a hand injury, leg cramps and a strong performance from Stan Wawrinka to prevail 7-5, 6-7(3), 6-4 and advance to the semi-finals of the Acapulco International on Thursday. The mercurial Australian, who defeated Rafa Nadal the night before in a match where the Spaniard later criticized Kyrgios' on-court demeanor, outplayed Wawrinka in the match's biggest moments despite playing in front of spectators who vocally backed the Swiss. "I actually play better when the crowd is against me and giving me a bit of stink," the 23-year-old said. "I love it. It gets me going." The night did not begin well for the hard-hitting Kyrgios, who slipped while thumping a backhand in the first game, opening up a cut on his right hand that required medical attention. Leg cramps followed in the deciding set but nothing could derail Kyrgios, who won his final service game at love to keep his hopes of a maiden championship at the tournament alive. "In the first game I just tripped over. I'm not the smoothest mover on tour and I tripped over and grazed my hand," he said. "And the cramping was tough toward the end." Next up for Kyrgios is big-serving American John Isner, who fired 38 aces to dispatch Australian John Millman 7-6(2), 6-7(4), 7-6(4) in a marathon match to end the day. Earlier in the hot and humid conditions Briton Cameron Norrie cruised past American Mackenzie McDonald 6-3 6-2 to book his ticket to the semis. Norrie will face second-seeded German Alexander Zverev, who did not face a break point en route to a 6-4 6-4 win over Australian Alex de Minaur.

Nick Kyrgios braves cut and cramps to down Stan Wawrinka

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=Rafael+Nadal">Rafael Nadal</a> accused Nick Kyrgios of lacking respect "for the public, the opponent and himself" after a stormy defeat to the Australian firebrand at the Mexico Open.

Kyrgios survived three match points to beat top-seeded Nadal 3-6, 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (8/6) on Wednesday and reach the quarter-finals.

However, 17-time major winner Nadal was furious with Kyrgios who at one stage complained of being sick, served underarm late in the match before cupping his ear to the boos of the crowd at the conclusion of the second round tie.

"He is a player with huge talent and could be winning Grand Slams or fighting for the number one ranking," said Nadal.

"But he lacks respect for the public, the opponent and for himself."

Kyrgios, ranked 72 in the world, hit back at Nadal.

"I'm different, Rafa's different. He can focus on what he needs to do. He doesn't know the journey I have been on, he doesn't know anything about me," said Kyrgios who famously stunned Nadal as a teenager at Wimbledon in 2014.

"I am not going to listen at all. That's the way I play. The way he plays is very slow between points.

"I've got my game, he's got his game. People are different, that's the sport."

Nadal, playing his first tournament since falling to Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final, had three chances to close out Wednesday's match after taking a 6-3 lead in the third-set tiebreaker.

Kyrgios saved the first with a leaping drop shot, and the second with a net-skimming volley.

Nadal was just wide with a passing shot to make it 6-6, double-faulted to give Kyrgios a chance and sailed a backhand long to end the match after three hours and three minutes.

Kyrgios screamed and dropped to the court in celebration -- a conclusion that seemed unlikely when he complained to a trainer after the opening set that he was feeling ill but feared the fallout should he retire.

Kyrgios steeled himself to continue, and distractions seemed forgotten as he became absorbed in the battle.

Down 0-40 in the ninth game of the second set, Kyrgios saved four break points to keep the set on serve and raced to a 5-0 lead in the tiebreaker.

Kyrgios, who received treatment on his lower back before the start of the third, was in trouble again in the sixth game, but fought off five break points to stay on terms and push it to the decisive tiebreaker.

Kyrgios levelled his head-to-head record with Nadal at 3-3 and will play three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka for a place in the semi-finals.

Switzerland's Wawrinka seeded third, belted 32 winners in a 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 victory over American Steve Johnson.

Women's top seed Sloane Stephens also bowed out Wednesday, stunned by Brazilian qualifier Beatriz Haddad Maia 6-3, 6-3.

Haddad Maia's victory over the fourth-ranked American was her first over a top-10 player in seven opportunities.

"It was just a tough match, obviously she played well," said Stephens, who is playing in Acapulco for the first time since winning the 2016 title. "A tough day. But I’m not too sad about it.

"I'm just going to go back and work some more, practice some more and get ready for Indian Wells."

Haddad Maia, 22, next faces China's Want Yafan, who was leading Monica Puig 4-1 when the Puerto Rican retired with an injury.

Former world number one Victoria Azarenka of Belarus sailed into the quarter-finals, downing Tatjana Maria 6-2, 6-1.

Azarenka fired 20 winners to Maria's 10, and took full advantage of the German's 28 unforced errors.

Rafael Nadal accused Nick Kyrgios of lacking respect "for the public, the opponent and himself" after a stormy defeat to the Australian firebrand at the Mexico Open.

Rafael Nadal accused Nick Kyrgios of lacking respect "for the public, the opponent and himself" after a stormy defeat to the Australian firebrand at the Mexico Open. Kyrgios survived three match points to beat top-seeded Nadal 3-6, 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (8/6) on Wednesday and reach the quarter-finals. However, 17-time major winner Nadal was furious with Kyrgios who at one stage complained of being sick, served underarm late in the match before cupping his ear to the boos of the crowd at the conclusion of the second round tie. "He is a player with huge talent and could be winning Grand Slams or fighting for the number one ranking," said Nadal. "But he lacks respect for the public, the opponent and for himself." Kyrgios, ranked 72 in the world, hit back at Nadal. "I'm different, Rafa's different. He can focus on what he needs to do. He doesn't know the journey I have been on, he doesn't know anything about me," said Kyrgios who famously stunned Nadal as a teenager at Wimbledon in 2014. "I am not going to listen at all. That's the way I play. The way he plays is very slow between points. "I've got my game, he's got his game. People are different, that's the sport." Nadal, playing his first tournament since falling to Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final, had three chances to close out Wednesday's match after taking a 6-3 lead in the third-set tiebreaker. Kyrgios saved the first with a leaping drop shot, and the second with a net-skimming volley. Nadal was just wide with a passing shot to make it 6-6, double-faulted to give Kyrgios a chance and sailed a backhand long to end the match after three hours and three minutes. Kyrgios screamed and dropped to the court in celebration -- a conclusion that seemed unlikely when he complained to a trainer after the opening set that he was feeling ill but feared the fallout should he retire. Kyrgios steeled himself to continue, and distractions seemed forgotten as he became absorbed in the battle. Down 0-40 in the ninth game of the second set, Kyrgios saved four break points to keep the set on serve and raced to a 5-0 lead in the tiebreaker. Kyrgios, who received treatment on his lower back before the start of the third, was in trouble again in the sixth game, but fought off five break points to stay on terms and push it to the decisive tiebreaker. Kyrgios levelled his head-to-head record with Nadal at 3-3 and will play three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka for a place in the semi-finals. Switzerland's Wawrinka seeded third, belted 32 winners in a 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 victory over American Steve Johnson. Women's top seed Sloane Stephens also bowed out Wednesday, stunned by Brazilian qualifier Beatriz Haddad Maia 6-3, 6-3. Haddad Maia's victory over the fourth-ranked American was her first over a top-10 player in seven opportunities. "It was just a tough match, obviously she played well," said Stephens, who is playing in Acapulco for the first time since winning the 2016 title. "A tough day. But I’m not too sad about it. "I'm just going to go back and work some more, practice some more and get ready for Indian Wells." Haddad Maia, 22, next faces China's Want Yafan, who was leading Monica Puig 4-1 when the Puerto Rican retired with an injury. Former world number one Victoria Azarenka of Belarus sailed into the quarter-finals, downing Tatjana Maria 6-2, 6-1. Azarenka fired 20 winners to Maria's 10, and took full advantage of the German's 28 unforced errors.

Rafael Nadal blasts Nick Kyrgios for 'lack of respect' after Acapulco defeat

Roger Federer's third-round masterclass against American Taylor Fritz at the Australian Open on Friday drew gushing praise from bad boy of tennis Nick Kyrgios during a guest commentary gig for the host broadcaster.

Federer, however, was less impressed with Kyrgios's work behind the microphone for the Nine Network.

Asked to comment on the Australian's assessments, which included "Federer's timing is scary good .... Oh, my goodness, butter, so smooth. He's zoning at the moment" among other pearls, the double defending champion suggested that the 23-year-old, as an analyst, made a great tennis player.

"Yeah, we need him to play first before commentating for the whatever 10-plus years," Federer said with a smile after beating Fritz in straight sets at Rod Laver Arena.

Former quarter-finalist Kyrgios was knocked out of the first round at Melbourne Park and signed off with a typically sour media conference, snapping at reporters and making sarcastic remarks.

Once touted as a future Grand Slam champion, Kyrgios's ranking has slumped to 52 amid struggles with injuries and is projected to fall further after the tournament.

"He's always good for a headline," said Federer.

"Look, I like Nick. I like the way he plays and all that. Yeah, I was happy to hear that he was in the commentary booth.

"He's got a bit of time, sticks around, shows he's passionate about the game. That's what we need to see.

"But we wish he was on the court rather than a commentary booth. But I hope he did a good job."

Federer will play Greek young gun Stefanos Tsitsipas for a place in the quarter-finals.

Roger Federer's third-round masterclass against American Taylor Fritz at the Australian Open on Friday drew gushing praise from bad boy of tennis Nick Kyrgios during a guest commentary gig for the host broadcaster.

Roger Federer's third-round masterclass against American Taylor Fritz at the Australian Open on Friday drew gushing praise from bad boy of tennis Nick Kyrgios during a guest commentary gig for the host broadcaster. Federer, however, was less impressed with Kyrgios's work behind the microphone for the Nine Network. Asked to comment on the Australian's assessments, which included "Federer's timing is scary good .... Oh, my goodness, butter, so smooth. He's zoning at the moment" among other pearls, the double defending champion suggested that the 23-year-old, as an analyst, made a great tennis player. "Yeah, we need him to play first before commentating for the whatever 10-plus years," Federer said with a smile after beating Fritz in straight sets at Rod Laver Arena. Former quarter-finalist Kyrgios was knocked out of the first round at Melbourne Park and signed off with a typically sour media conference, snapping at reporters and making sarcastic remarks. Once touted as a future Grand Slam champion, Kyrgios's ranking has slumped to 52 amid struggles with injuries and is projected to fall further after the tournament. "He's always good for a headline," said Federer. "Look, I like Nick. I like the way he plays and all that. Yeah, I was happy to hear that he was in the commentary booth. "He's got a bit of time, sticks around, shows he's passionate about the game. That's what we need to see. "But we wish he was on the court rather than a commentary booth. But I hope he did a good job." Federer will play Greek young gun Stefanos Tsitsipas for a place in the quarter-finals.

Nick Kyrgios is better on court than behind mike, says Roger Federer

Australian Nick Kyrgios has called time on his season after pulling out of the Kremlin Cup on Thursday with a recurrence of an elbow injury.

Kyrgios, seeded fifth at the Moscow event, had been due to face Bosnia-Herzegovina's Mirza Basic.

"Sorry guys, I won't be able to play today, this evening, it is obviously very unfortunate, dealing with ongoing elbow injury," he told the tournament website https://kremlincup.ru.

"It started to bother me a little bit this week. I am going to choose to wrap up my season and to go home. I will start a recovery and see you in 2019."

The return of Kyrgios' elbow injury marks a disappointing end to another eventful season for the 23-year-old who has slid to 37th in the ATP rankings.

He began the year by winning his first title on home soil in Brisbane and made a strong run at the Australian Open where he made the last 16, losing to Grigor Dimitrov.

Injury forced Kyrgios to miss the French Open while at the U.S. Open he was involved in a bizarre incident in which he received a "pep talk" over his performance from chair umpire Mohamed Lahyani during his second-round win over Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert.

Kyrgios, who has been accused of 'tanking' in the past, was involved in another row at the Shanghai Masters this month when his display during a shock defeat by Bradley Klahn was branded "borderline" by umpire Damien Dumusois.

Australian Nick Kyrgios has called time on his season after pulling out of the Kremlin Cup on Thursday with a recurrence of an elbow injury. Kyrgios, seeded fifth at the Moscow event, had been due to face Bosnia-Herzegovina's Mirza Basic.

Australian Nick Kyrgios has called time on his season after pulling out of the Kremlin Cup on Thursday with a recurrence of an elbow injury. Kyrgios, seeded fifth at the Moscow event, had been due to face Bosnia-Herzegovina's Mirza Basic. "Sorry guys, I won't be able to play today, this evening, it is obviously very unfortunate, dealing with ongoing elbow injury," he told the tournament website https://kremlincup.ru. "It started to bother me a little bit this week. I am going to choose to wrap up my season and to go home. I will start a recovery and see you in 2019." The return of Kyrgios' elbow injury marks a disappointing end to another eventful season for the 23-year-old who has slid to 37th in the ATP rankings. He began the year by winning his first title on home soil in Brisbane and made a strong run at the Australian Open where he made the last 16, losing to Grigor Dimitrov. Injury forced Kyrgios to miss the French Open while at the U.S. Open he was involved in a bizarre incident in which he received a "pep talk" over his performance from chair umpire Mohamed Lahyani during his second-round win over Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert. Kyrgios, who has been accused of 'tanking' in the past, was involved in another row at the Shanghai Masters this month when his display during a shock defeat by Bradley Klahn was branded "borderline" by umpire Damien Dumusois.

Nick Kyrgios ends season after pulling out of Kremlin Cup

Roger Federer warned temperamental Australian Nick Kyrgios on Tuesday that he would never fulfil his potential without the work ethic to go with his talent.

The 23-year-old Kyrgios made another contentious exit from the Shanghai Masters on Monday after a running argument with the chair umpire who suggested his efforts were "borderline".

The 38th-ranked Kyrgios was on the end of a surprise first-round loss to the American qualifier Bradley Klahn, the world number 104 winning 4-6, 6-4, 6-3.

It is the third time in as many Shanghai appearances that Kyrgios has departed the Masters 1000 event under a cloud.

Speaking in Shanghai, where Federer is the top seed and reigning champion, the 37-year-old Swiss great called Kyrgios "a great player".

But he also sounded a note of caution.

"I think it's really up to him where he wants to go and what his potential really holds," said the 20-time Grand Slam winner.

"We don't really know and I don't think he really knows exactly what his potential is.

"And only through understanding work ethic and scheduling and whatever it might be, creating the right team around himself, only then can you unlock the potential really."

Kyrgios, who this week lost his status as Australia's number one to 33rd-ranked Alex de Minaur, has a chequered history in Shanghai.

Last year he was fined after he walked off mid-way through his first-round match, and in 2016 he was suspended and fined after being accused of giving away points in another defeat.

Federer, who admitted that the hard graft did not necessarily come naturally to him either, backed Kyrgios to "win bigger tournaments and do all these things".&nbsp;

"But there is still a process in place that he needs to do like any other player needs to go through in order to be successful," he added.

'It's regrettable'

Shanghai is not the only scene of a Kyrgios controversy.

At the recent US Open, a disinterested Kyrgios was given a controversial mid-match pep talk by an umpire as he drifted towards a second-round defeat.

"I want to help you," chair umpire Mohamed Lahyani told Kyrgios, who went on to capture 19 of the next 25 games and set up a clash against Federer in New York.

Australian doubles great Todd Woodbridge said the scheduling of Shanghai, a compulsory tournament at the tail-end of the season, seemed to be a problem for Kyrgios.

"Nick plays his best tennis when he's fresh, when he's enjoying himself and he's engaged," said Woodbridge, according to the Melbourne Age.

"When he has to go somewhere and that isn't the case, we see him a little jaded and we see him play the way that he did... Scheduling is huge for him. He gets tired and then it's regrettable for him."

Kyrgios made no initial public comment after his defeat to qualifier Klahn, but has previously spoken of his intent to learn from Federer.

"I think we're two very different characters," said Kyrgios following his defeat to the Swiss at the US Open.

"But I think, you know, just the way he goes about things, I could take a leaf out of his book."

Roger Federer warned temperamental Australian Nick Kyrgios on Tuesday that he would never fulfil his potential without the work ethic to go with his talent. The 23-year-old Kyrgios made another contentious exit from the Shanghai Masters on Monday after a running argument with the chair umpire who suggested his efforts were "borderline".

Roger Federer warned temperamental Australian Nick Kyrgios on Tuesday that he would never fulfil his potential without the work ethic to go with his talent. The 23-year-old Kyrgios made another contentious exit from the Shanghai Masters on Monday after a running argument with the chair umpire who suggested his efforts were "borderline". The 38th-ranked Kyrgios was on the end of a surprise first-round loss to the American qualifier Bradley Klahn, the world number 104 winning 4-6, 6-4, 6-3. It is the third time in as many Shanghai appearances that Kyrgios has departed the Masters 1000 event under a cloud. Speaking in Shanghai, where Federer is the top seed and reigning champion, the 37-year-old Swiss great called Kyrgios "a great player". But he also sounded a note of caution. "I think it's really up to him where he wants to go and what his potential really holds," said the 20-time Grand Slam winner. "We don't really know and I don't think he really knows exactly what his potential is. "And only through understanding work ethic and scheduling and whatever it might be, creating the right team around himself, only then can you unlock the potential really." Kyrgios, who this week lost his status as Australia's number one to 33rd-ranked Alex de Minaur, has a chequered history in Shanghai. Last year he was fined after he walked off mid-way through his first-round match, and in 2016 he was suspended and fined after being accused of giving away points in another defeat. Federer, who admitted that the hard graft did not necessarily come naturally to him either, backed Kyrgios to "win bigger tournaments and do all these things". "But there is still a process in place that he needs to do like any other player needs to go through in order to be successful," he added. 'It's regrettable' Shanghai is not the only scene of a Kyrgios controversy. At the recent US Open, a disinterested Kyrgios was given a controversial mid-match pep talk by an umpire as he drifted towards a second-round defeat. "I want to help you," chair umpire Mohamed Lahyani told Kyrgios, who went on to capture 19 of the next 25 games and set up a clash against Federer in New York. Australian doubles great Todd Woodbridge said the scheduling of Shanghai, a compulsory tournament at the tail-end of the season, seemed to be a problem for Kyrgios. "Nick plays his best tennis when he's fresh, when he's enjoying himself and he's engaged," said Woodbridge, according to the Melbourne Age. "When he has to go somewhere and that isn't the case, we see him a little jaded and we see him play the way that he did... Scheduling is huge for him. He gets tired and then it's regrettable for him." Kyrgios made no initial public comment after his defeat to qualifier Klahn, but has previously spoken of his intent to learn from Federer. "I think we're two very different characters," said Kyrgios following his defeat to the Swiss at the US Open. "But I think, you know, just the way he goes about things, I could take a leaf out of his book."

Roger Federer warns Kyrgios over work ethic after Shanghai strop

Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios' previous outbursts and bad behaviour have meant that umpires are probably keeping a closer eye on him than his opponents, according to compatriot Todd Woodbridge.

The 23-year-old Kyrgios was involved in a row with French official Damien Dumusois during his shock first-round loss to American qualifier Bradley Klahn at the Shanghai Masters on Monday.

Dumusois told Kyrgios a point early in the second set "was really borderline", which prompted a fiery response from the Australian who reacted by saying "I don't care".

Woodbridge said on Tuesday that Kyrgios probably attracted the extra scrutiny on himself.

"It's interesting when you watch him, the umpires are watching him more closely than generally they watch the other end," Woodbridge told reporters at an event for next year's Australian Open.

"A little bit of that has been brought on by himself. It's fair to say he gets engaged a little too often."

Kyrgios, who lost 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 to Klahn, has previously courted controversy at the same event.

Last year he was fined $10,000 and forfeited his first-round loser's cheque following a decision to walk off after losing the first set against Steve Johnson.

In 2016, he was banned for eight tournament weeks and fined a total of $41,500 after he was beaten 6-3, 6-1 by Mischa Zverev in a second-round match in which Kyrgios put in a series of half-hearted serves and appeared to be walking off court before the unseeded German had returned the ball to him.

Monday's controversy was also the second time within the last six weeks that Kyrgios' effort has been questioned by an official.

Swedish umpire Mohamed Lahyani was reprimanded by US&nbsp;Open organisers for going "beyond protocol" when he climbed down from his chair to give Nick Kyrgios a mid-match pep talk during his second round match against Pierre-Hugues Herbert.

Woodbridge suggested that Kyrgios was probably running on empty, which made him look disinterested and that he should look to manage his schedule better next year and concentrate on the Grand Slam and elite tour events.

"I think with Nick when he's fresh he plays great and it's about managing schedules as much as anything," Woodbridge said.

"When he's fresh we don't see him 'leave the court' so to speak where his eyes wander; when he's playing fresh he's got the opponents in his sights.

"I think next year it's about a focus on slams and actually performing and going deep in those."

Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios' previous outbursts and bad behaviour have meant that umpires are probably keeping a closer eye on him than his opponents, according to compatriot Todd Woodbridge.

Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios' previous outbursts and bad behaviour have meant that umpires are probably keeping a closer eye on him than his opponents, according to compatriot Todd Woodbridge. The 23-year-old Kyrgios was involved in a row with French official Damien Dumusois during his shock first-round loss to American qualifier Bradley Klahn at the Shanghai Masters on Monday. Dumusois told Kyrgios a point early in the second set "was really borderline", which prompted a fiery response from the Australian who reacted by saying "I don't care". Woodbridge said on Tuesday that Kyrgios probably attracted the extra scrutiny on himself. "It's interesting when you watch him, the umpires are watching him more closely than generally they watch the other end," Woodbridge told reporters at an event for next year's Australian Open. "A little bit of that has been brought on by himself. It's fair to say he gets engaged a little too often." Kyrgios, who lost 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 to Klahn, has previously courted controversy at the same event. Last year he was fined $10,000 and forfeited his first-round loser's cheque following a decision to walk off after losing the first set against Steve Johnson. In 2016, he was banned for eight tournament weeks and fined a total of $41,500 after he was beaten 6-3, 6-1 by Mischa Zverev in a second-round match in which Kyrgios put in a series of half-hearted serves and appeared to be walking off court before the unseeded German had returned the ball to him. Monday's controversy was also the second time within the last six weeks that Kyrgios' effort has been questioned by an official. Swedish umpire Mohamed Lahyani was reprimanded by US Open organisers for going "beyond protocol" when he climbed down from his chair to give Nick Kyrgios a mid-match pep talk during his second round match against Pierre-Hugues Herbert. Woodbridge suggested that Kyrgios was probably running on empty, which made him look disinterested and that he should look to manage his schedule better next year and concentrate on the Grand Slam and elite tour events. "I think with Nick when he's fresh he plays great and it's about managing schedules as much as anything," Woodbridge said. "When he's fresh we don't see him 'leave the court' so to speak where his eyes wander; when he's playing fresh he's got the opponents in his sights. "I think next year it's about a focus on slams and actually performing and going deep in those."

Kyrgios attracts more scrutiny from officials, says Woodbridge

Australian professional tennis player Nick Kyrgios and Spanish player Fernando Verdasco got engaged in a social media spat at the Miami Open.&nbsp;

The drama started when Kyrgios tweeted his support for close mate Thanasi Kokkinakis, who was preparing to play Verdasco in the third round following his epic upset of Roger Federer on the weekend.&nbsp;

"I hope TK wins this match, fernando is the saltiest dude," Kyrgios wrote, adding, "must be frustrated at his past success against Aussies."&nbsp;

However, the tweet was deleted after a few minutes.

Fernando, who has a poor run against Australian players, recently lost to Alex de Minaur in the first round at the Sydney International in January.&nbsp;

But, the world number 39 broke his losing streak in a fiery match against Kokkinakis, coming back from a set down to win a third set tiebreak. He'll play countryman Pablo Carreno Busta in the fourth round.&nbsp;

After his victory over Kokkinakis, an angry Verdasco took to Twitter to hit back.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NickKyrgios</a> when you have the courage to put a tweet insulting another player you need to have the same to don’t delete it.
— Fernando Verdasco (@FerVerdasco) <a href="https://twitter.com/FerVerdasco/status/978377603999588353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Kyrgios, who enjoyed a speedy 6-3 6-3 win on Monday to reach the fourth round, did not end the spat there and fired off one final message:

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I would honestly have told it to Fernando’s face, the reason I deleted my previous tweet was because I didn’t want to cause unwanted attention, but I’m just gonna leave this here. Thanks for blocking me, I’m sure that took a lot of courage x
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios/status/978399471682965504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Verdasco on Tuesday will face fellow Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta, the 16th seed.&nbsp;Whereas, Kyrgios will battle German fourth seed Alexander Zverev.

 
&nbsp;

The drama started when Kyrgios tweeted his support for close mate Thanasi Kokkinakis

Australian professional tennis player Nick Kyrgios and Spanish player Fernando Verdasco got engaged in a social media spat at the Miami Open. The drama started when Kyrgios tweeted his support for close mate Thanasi Kokkinakis, who was preparing to play Verdasco in the third round following his epic upset of Roger Federer on the weekend. "I hope TK wins this match, fernando is the saltiest dude," Kyrgios wrote, adding, "must be frustrated at his past success against Aussies." However, the tweet was deleted after a few minutes. Fernando, who has a poor run against Australian players, recently lost to Alex de Minaur in the first round at the Sydney International in January. But, the world number 39 broke his losing streak in a fiery match against Kokkinakis, coming back from a set down to win a third set tiebreak. He'll play countryman Pablo Carreno Busta in the fourth round. After his victory over Kokkinakis, an angry Verdasco took to Twitter to hit back. @NickKyrgios when you have the courage to put a tweet insulting another player you need to have the same to don’t delete it. — Fernando Verdasco (@FerVerdasco) March 26, 2018 × Kyrgios, who enjoyed a speedy 6-3 6-3 win on Monday to reach the fourth round, did not end the spat there and fired off one final message: I would honestly have told it to Fernando’s face, the reason I deleted my previous tweet was because I didn’t want to cause unwanted attention, but I’m just gonna leave this here. Thanks for blocking me, I’m sure that took a lot of courage x — Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) March 26, 2018 × Verdasco on Tuesday will face fellow Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta, the 16th seed. Whereas, Kyrgios will battle German fourth seed Alexander Zverev.

Kyrgios, Verdasco engage in Twitter spat at Miami Open

Nick Kyrgios moved into the fourth round of the Miami Open despite admitting he's lacking the match fitness to properly compete for the title.

Kyrgios arrived in South Florida having not played for two months thanks to a troublesome elbow injury which forced him to withdraw from tournaments in Rotterdam, Delray Beach, Acapulco and Indian Wells in recent weeks.

His 6-3, 6-3 victory here Monday against the Italian world No. 18 Fabio Fognini certainly suggested a return to peak form is attainable.

The Australian took just 29 minutes to win the first set and although Fognini battled hard in the second, it wasn’t enough to stop the 22-year-old who was powerfully crashing the ball around the court from all angles.

Yet afterwards, Kyrgios, who will face either David Ferrer or Alexander Zverev for a place in the final eight, insisted his injury problems are refusing to go away.

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Is <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NickKyrgios</a> smiling because he just won or because <a href="https://twitter.com/gordonhayward?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@gordonhayward</a> is in the stands? <a href="https://t.co/mkrl5fmaOm">pic.twitter.com/mkrl5fmaOm</a>
— Miami Open (@MiamiOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/MiamiOpen/status/978367894521335808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"I came here not expecting too much," he said. "I have been having back spasms and am nowhere close to 100 percent.

"So winning matches like this are a great confidence boost for me. I am only at 70 percent so I am just trying to get through and take it very slowly.

"I haven't been able to train hard. I am just slowly building myself up."

Kyrgios was serving and hitting powerfully, a sure sign that the elbow problem which has hampered him so far in 2018 seems to be on the mend.

"I am trying to keep everything lose, the elbow was feeling better a couple of weeks ago.

"I was feeling good and then I started having back spasms. I just have to keep my body moving and feel warm and loose."

With the likes of Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka still out with injuries and Novak Djokovic desperately trying to return from a persistent elbow problem, Kyrgios isn’t alone when it comes to playing through the pain barrier.

"I have had a couple of niggling injuries during my career though no surgery yet touch wood," he added.

"I am working hard in the gym but I still need to tick some boxes when it comes to professionalism."

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Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!<a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NickKyrgios</a> takes the early lead 6-3.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MiamiOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MiamiOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/GpNyiS5Tq9">pic.twitter.com/GpNyiS5Tq9</a>
— Miami Open (@MiamiOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/MiamiOpen/status/978353355654393858?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Kyrgios began the match confidently, getting an early break to storm to a 3-0 lead.

Fognini was cutting a frustrated figure in the afternoon sun, his inability to make inroads into the rapid fire Kyrgios' serve causing the 30-year old to angrily lay bare his frustrations on more than one occasion.

The Australian, however, was far more consistent and when he broke again early in the second set, the writing was very much on the wall for an opponent who simply didn’t have any answers.

His serve was clocked at an impressive 137 mph but Kyrgios, who never seems too far away from a meltdown, had to dig deep in an attempt to close out the match.

Fognini, however, was unable to pull himself back into the match and another break of serve put the seal on a good afternoon’s work for Kyrgios who was boosted by having Boston Celtics star Gordon Hayward in his box here in Key Biscayne.

"It’s been great to have him around," says Kyrgios, who is a huge NBA fan and follows the Celtics.

Fellow Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis failed to build on his win over Roger Federer in the previous round, falling 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) to Spain's Fernando Verdasco, while Canadian Denis Shapovalov outlasted American Sam Querrey 6-4, 3-6, 7-5.

Verdasco's win was a fiery affair with the Spaniard accusing Kokkinakis' father of talking between points in the deciding set.

Verdasco also called out Kyrgios, who before the match suggested on Twitter that the Verdasco is "the saltiest dude" because of his past experience playing Australians.

"When you have the courage to put a tweet insulting another player you need to have the same to don't delete it," countered Verdasco.

&nbsp

Nick Kyrgios moved into the fourth round of the Miami Open

Nick Kyrgios moved into the fourth round of the Miami Open despite admitting he's lacking the match fitness to properly compete for the title. Kyrgios arrived in South Florida having not played for two months thanks to a troublesome elbow injury which forced him to withdraw from tournaments in Rotterdam, Delray Beach, Acapulco and Indian Wells in recent weeks. His 6-3, 6-3 victory here Monday against the Italian world No. 18 Fabio Fognini certainly suggested a return to peak form is attainable. The Australian took just 29 minutes to win the first set and although Fognini battled hard in the second, it wasn’t enough to stop the 22-year-old who was powerfully crashing the ball around the court from all angles. Yet afterwards, Kyrgios, who will face either David Ferrer or Alexander Zverev for a place in the final eight, insisted his injury problems are refusing to go away. Is @NickKyrgios smiling because he just won or because @gordonhayward is in the stands? pic.twitter.com/mkrl5fmaOm — Miami Open (@MiamiOpen) March 26, 2018 × "I came here not expecting too much," he said. "I have been having back spasms and am nowhere close to 100 percent. "So winning matches like this are a great confidence boost for me. I am only at 70 percent so I am just trying to get through and take it very slowly. "I haven't been able to train hard. I am just slowly building myself up." Kyrgios was serving and hitting powerfully, a sure sign that the elbow problem which has hampered him so far in 2018 seems to be on the mend. "I am trying to keep everything lose, the elbow was feeling better a couple of weeks ago. "I was feeling good and then I started having back spasms. I just have to keep my body moving and feel warm and loose." With the likes of Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka still out with injuries and Novak Djokovic desperately trying to return from a persistent elbow problem, Kyrgios isn’t alone when it comes to playing through the pain barrier. "I have had a couple of niggling injuries during my career though no surgery yet touch wood," he added. "I am working hard in the gym but I still need to tick some boxes when it comes to professionalism." Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!@NickKyrgios takes the early lead 6-3.#MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/GpNyiS5Tq9 — Miami Open (@MiamiOpen) March 26, 2018 × Kyrgios began the match confidently, getting an early break to storm to a 3-0 lead. Fognini was cutting a frustrated figure in the afternoon sun, his inability to make inroads into the rapid fire Kyrgios' serve causing the 30-year old to angrily lay bare his frustrations on more than one occasion. The Australian, however, was far more consistent and when he broke again early in the second set, the writing was very much on the wall for an opponent who simply didn’t have any answers. His serve was clocked at an impressive 137 mph but Kyrgios, who never seems too far away from a meltdown, had to dig deep in an attempt to close out the match. Fognini, however, was unable to pull himself back into the match and another break of serve put the seal on a good afternoon’s work for Kyrgios who was boosted by having Boston Celtics star Gordon Hayward in his box here in Key Biscayne. "It’s been great to have him around," says Kyrgios, who is a huge NBA fan and follows the Celtics. Fellow Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis failed to build on his win over Roger Federer in the previous round, falling 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) to Spain's Fernando Verdasco, while Canadian Denis Shapovalov outlasted American Sam Querrey 6-4, 3-6, 7-5. Verdasco's win was a fiery affair with the Spaniard accusing Kokkinakis' father of talking between points in the deciding set. Verdasco also called out Kyrgios, who before the match suggested on Twitter that the Verdasco is "the saltiest dude" because of his past experience playing Australians. "When you have the courage to put a tweet insulting another player you need to have the same to don't delete it," countered Verdasco.

Kyrgios cruises into fourth round of Miami Open

On Sunday, tennis world number 1 Roger Federer ended his 17-match winning streak after losing the finals of Indian Wells to Juan Martin del Potro.

After that, he visited Chicago to help kick-off the countdown to September&rsquo;s Laver Cup.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Good Morning Chicago! The countdown to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LaverCup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LaverCup</a> 2018 starts here! Follow the action live on Twitter and Periscope <a href="https://twitter.com/LaverCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LaverCup</a>. ???? <a href="https://t.co/4OSJf3Cz8p">pic.twitter.com/4OSJf3Cz8p</a>
&mdash; Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer/status/975797609779679232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Swiss tennis star promoted the second Laver Cup, a team competition that debuted last year in Prague with an intention that the tournament will mark its popularity on U.S. soil also.

While interacting with media he said, "Obviously now that we&#39;re sitting in Chicago, being in Chicago for the first time, wonderful city by the way, I can&#39;t wait for September to come around and really kick off the second addition of the Laver Cup."

He further added, "The idea of the Laver Cup was always to honor the legends of the game"

He was joined by tennis legends Rod Laver and John McEnroe, along with young Australian star Nick Kyrgios.

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Delighted to receive a personalised Chicago <a href="https://twitter.com/NHLBlackhawks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NHLBlackHawks</a> jersey from ice hockey legend Bobby Hull to commemorate the <a href="https://twitter.com/LaverCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LaverCup</a> coming to this great city in 2018. <a href="https://t.co/H21gDjvvR8">pic.twitter.com/H21gDjvvR8</a>
&mdash; Rod Laver (@rodlaver) <a href="https://twitter.com/rodlaver/status/975602955465342976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Rod Laver, tennis legend said, "The Laver Cup last year was such a success and, you know, I thank Roger and all the players that competed. It was just unbelievable, the energy on the court with 14,000 people cheering."

Roger Federer&#39;s management team helped in launching the Laver Cup, which pits Team Europe against Team World. Four of the six players on each team are chosen on rankings after Wimbledon. The other two are captain&#39;s picks.

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Delighted to present <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RogerFederer</a> with my Dunlop Maxply inscribed: &lsquo;To the greatest, from Rod Laver &rsquo;62 &rsquo;69&rsquo; after his SF win today. Onto another final <a href="https://twitter.com/BNPPARIBASOPEN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BNPPARIBASOPEN</a> <a href="https://t.co/Zg7kH8bIu0">pic.twitter.com/Zg7kH8bIu0</a>
&mdash; Rod Laver (@rodlaver) <a href="https://twitter.com/rodlaver/status/975144976299409408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Laver Cup pits Team Europe against Team World in which four of the six players on each team are chosen on rankings after Wimbledon and the other two are captain's picks

On Sunday, tennis world number 1 Roger Federer ended his 17-match winning streak after losing the finals of Indian Wells to Juan Martin del Potro. After that, he visited Chicago to help kick-off the countdown to September’s Laver Cup. Good Morning Chicago! The countdown to the #LaverCup 2018 starts here! Follow the action live on Twitter and Periscope @LaverCup. ???? pic.twitter.com/4OSJf3Cz8p — Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) March 19, 2018 × Swiss tennis star promoted the second Laver Cup, a team competition that debuted last year in Prague with an intention that the tournament will mark its popularity on U.S. soil also. While interacting with media he said, "Obviously now that we're sitting in Chicago, being in Chicago for the first time, wonderful city by the way, I can't wait for September to come around and really kick off the second addition of the Laver Cup." He further added, "The idea of the Laver Cup was always to honor the legends of the game" He was joined by tennis legends Rod Laver and John McEnroe, along with young Australian star Nick Kyrgios. Delighted to receive a personalised Chicago @NHLBlackHawks jersey from ice hockey legend Bobby Hull to commemorate the @LaverCup coming to this great city in 2018. pic.twitter.com/H21gDjvvR8 — Rod Laver (@rodlaver) March 19, 2018 × Rod Laver, tennis legend said, "The Laver Cup last year was such a success and, you know, I thank Roger and all the players that competed. It was just unbelievable, the energy on the court with 14,000 people cheering." Roger Federer's management team helped in launching the Laver Cup, which pits Team Europe against Team World. Four of the six players on each team are chosen on rankings after Wimbledon. The other two are captain's picks. Delighted to present @RogerFederer with my Dunlop Maxply inscribed: ‘To the greatest, from Rod Laver ’62 ’69’ after his SF win today. Onto another final @BNPPARIBASOPEN pic.twitter.com/Zg7kH8bIu0 — Rod Laver (@rodlaver) March 17, 2018 ×

Roger Federer, Nick Kyrgios launch 2018 Laver Cup in Chicago

On Sunday, tennis world number 1 Roger Federer ended his 17-match winning streak after losing the finals of Indian Wells to Juan Martin del Potro.

After that, he visited Chicago to help kick-off the countdown to September’s Laver Cup.

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Welcoming <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NickKyrgios</a> and the GOAT <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rogerfederer</a> to Chicago and the <a href="https://twitter.com/UnitedCenter?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UnitedCenter</a>, home of this year’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LaverCup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LaverCup</a> ? <a href="https://t.co/IYc3gWYTJZ">pic.twitter.com/IYc3gWYTJZ</a>
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottiePippen/status/975876612217540609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Swiss tennis star promoted the second Laver Cup, a team competition that debuted last year in Prague with an intention that the tournament will mark its popularity on U.S. soil also.

While interacting with media he said, "Obviously now that we're sitting in Chicago, being in Chicago for the first time, wonderful city by the way, I can't wait for September to come around and really kick off the second addition of the Laver Cup."

He further added, "The idea of the Laver Cup was always to honor the legends of the game"

He was joined by tennis legends Rod Laver and John McEnroe, along with young Australian star Nick Kyrgios.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Good Morning Chicago! The countdown to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LaverCup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LaverCup</a> 2018 starts here! Follow the action live on Twitter and Periscope <a href="https://twitter.com/LaverCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LaverCup</a>. ? <a href="https://t.co/4OSJf3Cz8p">pic.twitter.com/4OSJf3Cz8p</a>
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer/status/975797609779679232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Rod Laver, tennis legend said, "The Laver Cup last year was such a success and, you know, I thank Roger and all the players that competed. It was just unbelievable, the energy on the court with 14,000 people cheering."

Roger Federer's management team helped in launching the Laver Cup, which pits Team Europe against Team World. Four of the six players on each team are chosen on rankings after Wimbledon. The other two are captain's picks.

On Sunday, tennis world number 1 Roger Federer ended his 17-match winning streak after losing the finals of Indian Wells to Juan Martin del Potro. After that, he visited Chicago to help kick-off the countdown to September’s Laver Cup. Welcoming @NickKyrgios and the GOAT @rogerfederer to Chicago and the @UnitedCenter, home of this year’s #LaverCup ? pic.twitter.com/IYc3gWYTJZ — Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) March 19, 2018 × Swiss tennis star promoted the second Laver Cup, a team competition that debuted last year in Prague with an intention that the tournament will mark its popularity on U.S. soil also. While interacting with media he said, "Obviously now that we're sitting in Chicago, being in Chicago for the first time, wonderful city by the way, I can't wait for September to come around and really kick off the second addition of the Laver Cup." He further added, "The idea of the Laver Cup was always to honor the legends of the game" He was joined by tennis legends Rod Laver and John McEnroe, along with young Australian star Nick Kyrgios. Good Morning Chicago! The countdown to the #LaverCup 2018 starts here! Follow the action live on Twitter and Periscope @LaverCup. ? pic.twitter.com/4OSJf3Cz8p — Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) March 19, 2018 × Rod Laver, tennis legend said, "The Laver Cup last year was such a success and, you know, I thank Roger and all the players that competed. It was just unbelievable, the energy on the court with 14,000 people cheering." Roger Federer's management team helped in launching the Laver Cup, which pits Team Europe against Team World. Four of the six players on each team are chosen on rankings after Wimbledon. The other two are captain's picks.

Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov kept cool in the Rod Laver Arena maelstrom to knock home favourite Nick Kyrgios out of the Australian Open in a fourth-round thriller on Sunday.

Third seed Dimitrov absorbed 76 winners and struck 64 of his own to edge a scintillating duel 7-6(3) 7-6(4) 4-6 7-6(4).

While Australia`s wait for a men`s champion will now stretch to 43 years, Dimitrov will go into a quarter-final with unseeded British player Kyle Edmund brimming with belief that a first grand slam title is within reach.

The 26-year-old showed enormous resilience and nerve to subdue a ferocious Kyrgios fightback, claiming victory after three hours and 26 minutes with a majestic forehand pass.

As the combatants embraced, Kyrgios told Dimitrov to &quot;believe&quot; before the defeated 22-year-old left to a standing ovation. A year ago it was jeers after a second-round meltdown.

&quot;Playing against Nick is always tricky,&quot; Dimitrov told former champion Jim Courier on court. &quot;He was serving unbelievable. Playing unbelievable. Competing.

&quot;He deserves a lot of credit. He fought really hard and it`s one of the matches you have to be locked in.&quot;&nbsp;

The prime-time clash crackled with intensity from the get-go with Dimitrov`s elegant style contrasting with the explosive shot-making of maverick 17th seed Kyrgios.

&quot;Oh Nicky you`re so fine, you`re so fine you blow my mind&quot; was one of the chants sung by the gold and green clad fans there to support a player fast winning over his critics.

Even the seagulls on the roof of the arena appeared transfixed on the drama unfolding below.

While Kyrgios`s histrionics are well chronicled, all the talk this past week has been the fact that he appears ready to fulfil his vast potential, especially after a superb victory over his idol Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in round three.

HIGH-OCTANE TENNIS

Dimitrov, who won the ATP Finals last year, had to play high-octane tennis to take a high-quality opener in a tiebreak.

Kyrgios`s only lapse arrived at 3-3 in the second set when he bunted a backhand long to hand Dimitrov a break point and then casually messed up a volley.

For a few minutes it seemed Kyrgios might unravel but his growing maturity was evident as he re-grouped and seized on a tight service game by Dimitrov at 5-4, saving a set point, before breaking back to huge roars from the crowd.

Dimitrov is made of stern stuff these days though and edged another tiebreak. He constructed a beautiful point, finishing a long rally with a stealthy volley, to move 3-1 ahead.

Kyrgios belted away a backhand and then whipped away a forehand to drag it back to 4-4 but Dimitrov replied with a punishing forehand down the line to move 5-4 ahead before a couple of Kyrgios errors gave the Bulgarian a two-set lead.

Despite the deficit, Kyrgios`s body language bristled with intent and he took the third set after breaking at 2-2.

The comeback looked on as Kyrgios cranked up his serving power, belting down four aces to level at 2-2 in the fourth.

Yet the 22-year-old Australian`s hopes looked toast when he buried a smash into the net to hand Dimitrov a 5-3 lead.

The drama was not over though as Dimitrov wobbled when serving for victory. He served a double fault at 15-30 and then watched a backhand fly past him as Kyrgios broke back.

Dimitrov recovered his poise with a love hold but Kyrgios replied in kind with a 36th ace to force another tiebreak.

Once again it was Dimitov`s calm under pressure that was key as he put together another clinical tiebreaker to take victory.

Third seed Dimitrov absorbed 76 winners and struck 64 of his own to edge a scintillating duel 7-6(3) 7-6(4) 4-6 7-6(4)

Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov kept cool in the Rod Laver Arena maelstrom to knock home favourite Nick Kyrgios out of the Australian Open in a fourth-round thriller on Sunday. Third seed Dimitrov absorbed 76 winners and struck 64 of his own to edge a scintillating duel 7-6(3) 7-6(4) 4-6 7-6(4). While Australia`s wait for a men`s champion will now stretch to 43 years, Dimitrov will go into a quarter-final with unseeded British player Kyle Edmund brimming with belief that a first grand slam title is within reach. The 26-year-old showed enormous resilience and nerve to subdue a ferocious Kyrgios fightback, claiming victory after three hours and 26 minutes with a majestic forehand pass. As the combatants embraced, Kyrgios told Dimitrov to "believe" before the defeated 22-year-old left to a standing ovation. A year ago it was jeers after a second-round meltdown. "Playing against Nick is always tricky," Dimitrov told former champion Jim Courier on court. "He was serving unbelievable. Playing unbelievable. Competing. "He deserves a lot of credit. He fought really hard and it`s one of the matches you have to be locked in." The prime-time clash crackled with intensity from the get-go with Dimitrov`s elegant style contrasting with the explosive shot-making of maverick 17th seed Kyrgios. "Oh Nicky you`re so fine, you`re so fine you blow my mind" was one of the chants sung by the gold and green clad fans there to support a player fast winning over his critics. Even the seagulls on the roof of the arena appeared transfixed on the drama unfolding below. While Kyrgios`s histrionics are well chronicled, all the talk this past week has been the fact that he appears ready to fulfil his vast potential, especially after a superb victory over his idol Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in round three. HIGH-OCTANE TENNIS Dimitrov, who won the ATP Finals last year, had to play high-octane tennis to take a high-quality opener in a tiebreak. Kyrgios`s only lapse arrived at 3-3 in the second set when he bunted a backhand long to hand Dimitrov a break point and then casually messed up a volley. For a few minutes it seemed Kyrgios might unravel but his growing maturity was evident as he re-grouped and seized on a tight service game by Dimitrov at 5-4, saving a set point, before breaking back to huge roars from the crowd. Dimitrov is made of stern stuff these days though and edged another tiebreak. He constructed a beautiful point, finishing a long rally with a stealthy volley, to move 3-1 ahead. Kyrgios belted away a backhand and then whipped away a forehand to drag it back to 4-4 but Dimitrov replied with a punishing forehand down the line to move 5-4 ahead before a couple of Kyrgios errors gave the Bulgarian a two-set lead. Despite the deficit, Kyrgios`s body language bristled with intent and he took the third set after breaking at 2-2. The comeback looked on as Kyrgios cranked up his serving power, belting down four aces to level at 2-2 in the fourth. Yet the 22-year-old Australian`s hopes looked toast when he buried a smash into the net to hand Dimitrov a 5-3 lead. The drama was not over though as Dimitrov wobbled when serving for victory. He served a double fault at 15-30 and then watched a backhand fly past him as Kyrgios broke back. Dimitrov recovered his poise with a love hold but Kyrgios replied in kind with a 36th ace to force another tiebreak. Once again it was Dimitov`s calm under pressure that was key as he put together another clinical tiebreaker to take victory.

Australia Open: Grigor Dimitrov beats Nick Kyrgios to reach quarter-finals

Australia&#39;s volatile Nick Kyrgios&nbsp;accused of&nbsp;unsportsmanlike conduct during the first round match of Australian Open&nbsp;on Hisense Arena on Monday.

Kyrgios received a code violation for telling a loudmouth member of the crowd to &quot;shut the f*** up&quot;.

The 22-year-old was fined with a $3,000 penalty for using appropriative language&nbsp;in his 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 win over Brazilian Rogerio Dutra Silva.

He also exchanged&nbsp;words with the chair umpire during the changeover after the Australian had taken the opening set for the loss of one game in just 28 minutes.

&quot;All you have to do is say &#39;please be quiet when the player is serving&#39;,&quot; Kyrgios told the umpire.

He played a flawless opening set but that didn&#39;t stop him from receiving a code violation early in the match.

&nbsp;

Kyrgios received a code violation for using inappropriate language during first round match

Australia's volatile Nick Kyrgios accused of unsportsmanlike conduct during the first round match of Australian Open on Hisense Arena on Monday. Kyrgios received a code violation for telling a loudmouth member of the crowd to "shut the f*** up". The 22-year-old was fined with a $3,000 penalty for using appropriative language in his 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 win over Brazilian Rogerio Dutra Silva. He also exchanged words with the chair umpire during the changeover after the Australian had taken the opening set for the loss of one game in just 28 minutes. "All you have to do is say 'please be quiet when the player is serving'," Kyrgios told the umpire. He played a flawless opening set but that didn't stop him from receiving a code violation early in the match.

Nick Kyrgios found guilty of 'unsportsmanlike conduct', fined

Australia&#39;s Nick&nbsp;Kyrgios&nbsp;has been&nbsp;fined&nbsp;$10,000 and deducted his $21,000 first-round losers&#39; cheque following his decision to&nbsp;walk&nbsp;off&nbsp;after losing the first set against Steve Johnson in the&nbsp;Shanghai&nbsp;Masters on Tuesday.

The tempestuous&nbsp;Kyrgios&nbsp;had just been beaten in a tiebreak against Johnson when he&nbsp;walked to the net,&nbsp;offered his hand to the American and stormed&nbsp;off the court to the bemusement of his opponent and chair umpire Fergus Murphy.

Kyrgios, 22, was booed&nbsp;off&nbsp;court by the crowd.

The ATP said on Wednesday that&nbsp;Kyrgios&nbsp;had been punished for &quot;unsportsmanlike conduct&quot;, saying he had failed to complete a medical visit to explain his actions.

Kyrgios ranked 21 in the world, said later on Twitter that he had been suffering from a stomach bug and a shoulder problem.

&quot;I&#39;ve been battling a stomach bug for the past 24 hours and I tried to be ready but I was really struggling on the court today which I think was pretty evident from the first point,&quot;&nbsp;Kyrgios&nbsp;said.

&quot;My shoulder started to hurt in the practice which didn&#39;t help either and once I lost the first set I was just not strong enough to continue. I&#39;ve not eaten much in the past 24 hours.&quot;

Last year,&nbsp;Kyrgios&nbsp;was&nbsp;fined&nbsp;$16,500 and banned for eight weeks for deliberately throwing a game during his second-round defeat by Mischa Zverev in&nbsp;Shanghai.

The ban for &quot;conduct contrary to the integrity of the game&quot; was reduced to three weeks after he agreed to a &quot;care plan&quot; under the direction of a sports psychologist.

He has also docked a penalty point against world number one Rafael Nadal in the China Open final last week following a disagreement with the chair umpire.

The tempestuous?Kyrgios?had just been beaten in a tiebreak against Johnson when he?walked to the net,?offered his hand to the American and stormed?off the court to the bemusement of his opponent and chair umpire Fergus Murphy.

Australia's Nick Kyrgios has been fined $10,000 and deducted his $21,000 first-round losers' cheque following his decision to walk off after losing the first set against Steve Johnson in the Shanghai Masters on Tuesday. The tempestuous Kyrgios had just been beaten in a tiebreak against Johnson when he walked to the net, offered his hand to the American and stormed off the court to the bemusement of his opponent and chair umpire Fergus Murphy. Kyrgios, 22, was booed off court by the crowd. The ATP said on Wednesday that Kyrgios had been punished for "unsportsmanlike conduct", saying he had failed to complete a medical visit to explain his actions. Kyrgios ranked 21 in the world, said later on Twitter that he had been suffering from a stomach bug and a shoulder problem. "I've been battling a stomach bug for the past 24 hours and I tried to be ready but I was really struggling on the court today which I think was pretty evident from the first point," Kyrgios said. "My shoulder started to hurt in the practice which didn't help either and once I lost the first set I was just not strong enough to continue. I've not eaten much in the past 24 hours." Last year, Kyrgios was fined $16,500 and banned for eight weeks for deliberately throwing a game during his second-round defeat by Mischa Zverev in Shanghai. The ban for "conduct contrary to the integrity of the game" was reduced to three weeks after he agreed to a "care plan" under the direction of a sports psychologist. He has also docked a penalty point against world number one Rafael Nadal in the China Open final last week following a disagreement with the chair umpire.

Nick Kyrgios fined $10,000 for Shanghai walk off

Nick Kyrgios ended three-time champion Novak Djokovic&#39;s reign at Indian Wells on Wednesday, toppling the world number two in the fourth round of the year&#39;s first Masters event.

The 21-year-old Australian triumphed 6-4, 7-6 (7/3), notching his second victory over Djokovic in less than two weeks after stunning the Serb in their first career meeting at Acapulco.

Djokovic had won 19 straight matches at Indian Wells in winning the title in 2014, 2015 and 2016. He also won the title in the California desert in 2008 and 2011.

Kyrgios will get a shot at another big name in the quarter-finals. He&#39;ll take on the winner of the fourth-round match between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. 
 
(AFP) 
&nbsp;

Kyrgios triumphed 6-4, 7-6 (7/3), notching his second victory over Djokovic in less than two weeks

Nick Kyrgios ended three-time champion Novak Djokovic's reign at Indian Wells on Wednesday, toppling the world number two in the fourth round of the year's first Masters event. The 21-year-old Australian triumphed 6-4, 7-6 (7/3), notching his second victory over Djokovic in less than two weeks after stunning the Serb in their first career meeting at Acapulco. Djokovic had won 19 straight matches at Indian Wells in winning the title in 2014, 2015 and 2016. He also won the title in the California desert in 2008 and 2011. Kyrgios will get a shot at another big name in the quarter-finals. He'll take on the winner of the fourth-round match between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. (AFP)

Nick Kyrgios beats defending champion Novak Djokovic at Indian Wells

Nick Kyrgios struggled to deal with the furore over his shock second round meltdown at the Australian Open but said the return to a team environment with Davis Cup had helped him through it.

The local hope was jeered off the court by sections of the crowd after squandering a two-set lead and throwing a tantrum in the 1-6, 6-7(1), 6-4, 6-2, 10-8 loss to Italian Andreas Seppi on January 18.

Former world number one John McEnroe then questioned his commitment to the sport, while local media pilloried him the following day with one headline telling him to &quot;Nick Off&quot;,&nbsp;an Australian slang term meaning to leave.

&quot;I was obviously struggling, mentally it was tough,&quot; the world number 15 said on Tuesday, ahead of Australia&#39;s Davis Cup tie with the Czech Republic at Kooyong this weekend.

&quot;But I&#39;ve had a lot of support and obviously Rusty (Australia captain Lleyton Hewitt) has been helping me though it.

&quot;I think this week is crucial for me to bounce back and go out to try to enjoy it again and I feel good.&quot;

Several former players have suggested that Kyrgios needed to employ a coach fulltime to help him mentally, something the 21-year-old said he was considering after the Seppi defeat.

He now had some potential candidates in mind but they needed to be the &quot;right person&quot;.

&quot;It&#39;s finding someone who has my best interest at heart and it&#39;s tough to find someone on the team who&#39;s willing to care about me as a person first,&quot; Kyrgios said.

While Kyrgios added that Hewitt had helped him &quot;100 per cent&quot; with the fallout from the Seppi loss, the former world number one was not ready to become his coach.

Kyrgios, who carried a knee injury into the Australian Open, said it had been caused by playing too much basketball, a sport that he has said in the past was something he preferred.

He had been training in Miami since his exit at the season-opening grand slam and felt pleased to return home to fit back into the team environment.

&quot;I think playing Davis Cup is going to improve my general well-being,&quot; Kyrgios said.

&quot;It&#39;s a good environment and makes me happy being with these guys and getting out on the practice court and training because usually when I&#39;m by myself I struggle to find the motivation.

&quot;These weeks are pretty crucial for someone around my time of my career.&quot;

(Reuters)

He was jeered off the court by sections of the crowd after his shock Australian Open loss to Italian Andreas Seppi on Jan 18

Nick Kyrgios struggled to deal with the furore over his shock second round meltdown at the Australian Open but said the return to a team environment with Davis Cup had helped him through it. The local hope was jeered off the court by sections of the crowd after squandering a two-set lead and throwing a tantrum in the 1-6, 6-7(1), 6-4, 6-2, 10-8 loss to Italian Andreas Seppi on January 18. Former world number one John McEnroe then questioned his commitment to the sport, while local media pilloried him the following day with one headline telling him to "Nick Off", an Australian slang term meaning to leave. "I was obviously struggling, mentally it was tough," the world number 15 said on Tuesday, ahead of Australia's Davis Cup tie with the Czech Republic at Kooyong this weekend. "But I've had a lot of support and obviously Rusty (Australia captain Lleyton Hewitt) has been helping me though it. "I think this week is crucial for me to bounce back and go out to try to enjoy it again and I feel good." Several former players have suggested that Kyrgios needed to employ a coach fulltime to help him mentally, something the 21-year-old said he was considering after the Seppi defeat. He now had some potential candidates in mind but they needed to be the "right person". "It's finding someone who has my best interest at heart and it's tough to find someone on the team who's willing to care about me as a person first," Kyrgios said. While Kyrgios added that Hewitt had helped him "100 per cent" with the fallout from the Seppi loss, the former world number one was not ready to become his coach. Kyrgios, who carried a knee injury into the Australian Open, said it had been caused by playing too much basketball, a sport that he has said in the past was something he preferred. He had been training in Miami since his exit at the season-opening grand slam and felt pleased to return home to fit back into the team environment. "I think playing Davis Cup is going to improve my general well-being," Kyrgios said. "It's a good environment and makes me happy being with these guys and getting out on the practice court and training because usually when I'm by myself I struggle to find the motivation. "These weeks are pretty crucial for someone around my time of my career." (Reuters)

Nick Kyrgios hopes team spirit can help overcome Seppi loss

Wayward tennis star Nick Kyrgios will seek psychological help to avoid an eight week ban ordered by the ATP for a tantrum at the Shanghai Masters, Tennis Australia said Monday.

The ATP ordered a $25,000 (22,700 euros) fine and said a three week ban would be increased to eight weeks if the 21-year-old Kyrgios did not seek help for his temper.

The world number 14 gave away points and swore and argued with fans before being booed off court after his 6-3, 6-1 defeat by Mischa Zverev in his second round match last week.

&quot;Nick&#39;s conduct in Shanghai was unacceptable, disrespectful to the sport and its fans,&quot; said ATP executive chairman Chris Kermode.

Tennis Australia said in a statement that it would support Kyrgios. &quot;Nick&rsquo;s health and wellbeing is a priority and the ATP has offered a reduced penalty on the provision that he seeks appropriate professional advice, which he has agreed to do,&quot; said a statement by the Australian body.

Kyrgios apologised again for his behaviour in Shanghai. &quot;The season has been a long one as I battled several injuries and other challenges towards the end of the summer,&quot; he said in a statement. &quot;My body finally just gave out in

Shanghai both physically and mentally. This is no excuse, and I know very well that I need to apologise to the fans - in Shanghai and other parts of the world - as well as the tournament organisers in Shanghai who do an amazing job.&quot;

Kyrgios said he &quot;regretted how his year was ending. I do understand and respect the decision by the ATP and I will use this time off to improve on and off the court.&quot;

The Shanghai outburst was the latest in a long line of incidents involving the Australian. Last year he was given a suspended one-month ban for making comments to Stan Wawrinka about his wife.

If Kyrgios agrees to see a psychologist he could return to the tour on November 7, after the three week ban.

As he would have no more tournaments to play, even the three week ban means that Kyrgios&#39;s year is effectively over.

(AFP) 
&nbsp;

In view of the tennis star's tantrum at the Shanghai Masters, ATP ordered a three week ban that could be raised if Kyrgios did not seek help

Wayward tennis star Nick Kyrgios will seek psychological help to avoid an eight week ban ordered by the ATP for a tantrum at the Shanghai Masters, Tennis Australia said Monday. The ATP ordered a $25,000 (22,700 euros) fine and said a three week ban would be increased to eight weeks if the 21-year-old Kyrgios did not seek help for his temper. The world number 14 gave away points and swore and argued with fans before being booed off court after his 6-3, 6-1 defeat by Mischa Zverev in his second round match last week. "Nick's conduct in Shanghai was unacceptable, disrespectful to the sport and its fans," said ATP executive chairman Chris Kermode. Tennis Australia said in a statement that it would support Kyrgios. "Nick’s health and wellbeing is a priority and the ATP has offered a reduced penalty on the provision that he seeks appropriate professional advice, which he has agreed to do," said a statement by the Australian body. Kyrgios apologised again for his behaviour in Shanghai. "The season has been a long one as I battled several injuries and other challenges towards the end of the summer," he said in a statement. "My body finally just gave out in Shanghai both physically and mentally. This is no excuse, and I know very well that I need to apologise to the fans - in Shanghai and other parts of the world - as well as the tournament organisers in Shanghai who do an amazing job." Kyrgios said he "regretted how his year was ending. I do understand and respect the decision by the ATP and I will use this time off to improve on and off the court." The Shanghai outburst was the latest in a long line of incidents involving the Australian. Last year he was given a suspended one-month ban for making comments to Stan Wawrinka about his wife. If Kyrgios agrees to see a psychologist he could return to the tour on November 7, after the three week ban. As he would have no more tournaments to play, even the three week ban means that Kyrgios's year is effectively over. (AFP)

ATP orders Kyrgios to see psychologist or face eight-week ban

The latest tantrum by Australia&#39;s Nick Kyrgios has attracted more than a fine and condemnation as sports stars and experts wonder if he needs help to overcome his demons.

Kyrgios was slapped with a $16,500 penalty for his meltdown at the Shanghai Masters, where he tanked points, swore and argued with fans before being booed off court.

It follows a catalogue of similar incidents for the talented but troubled 21-year-old, whose rise to world number 14 has been punctuated by controversy.

Britain&#39;s Andy Murray wondered whether Kyrgios&#39;s fine, which amounts to less than half of his prize money for reaching Shanghai&#39;s second round, would have any effect.

And athletics legend Michael Johnson tweeted: &quot;This guy needs to take a break from the game. Obviously, some serious issues having nothing to do with sport.&quot;

Petulant outbursts, from John McEnroe, to Serena Williams at the 2009 US Open, are familiar to tennis, but Kyrgios is particularly volatile and, by his own admission, unpredictable.

He was also accused of tanking, or giving up, while playing Richard Gasquet last year at Wimbledon, and his run-ins with chair umpires and fans are legion.

Last year Kyrgios also received a suspended one-month ban for muttering &quot;(Thanasi) Kokkinakis banged your girlfriend&quot; while playing Stan Wawrinka at the Montreal Masters.

On-court flare-ups are common, and easily distracted Kyrgios often gives an audible, running self-commentary as the match progresses.

&#39;Backside in a sling&#39;&nbsp;

Australian sports psychologist Jeff Bond, whose clients have included 1987 Wimbledon winner Pat Cash, said Kyrgios was under pressures that most people do not understand.

&quot;Armchair experts have got no idea what it&#39;s like to be on the tennis circuit and how challenging and stressful it can be,&quot; Bond told AFP.

&quot;Before we condemn or show concern he may have a mental illness, for example, we need to take into account how rigorous and demanding that circuit is.

&quot;There&#39;s no other walk of life where you&#39;re filmed so intently and so closely and everything is recorded and you&#39;re in the view of the media and the public.&quot;

But Bond also doubted whether Kyrgios was in any mood to seek help, and he warned that no &quot;guru&quot; could fix his problems overnight.

&quot;I don&#39;t think he cares, and he won&#39;t care while they keep slapping his wrist and giving him a relatively paltry fine,&quot; said Bond.

&quot;He won&#39;t care until he&#39;s got his backside in a sling.&quot;

He added: &quot;I hope for his sake and for his own mental wellbeing that at some stage he finds a way to consult somebody that he&#39;s prepared to listen to... and wants to implement some of the strategies they decide on.

&quot;It&#39;s awful to see somebody paint themselves into a corner where they think the only way out is tanking.&quot;

Murray, speaking to British media, said he would be happy to act as a mentor to Kyrgios, recalling his own struggles to adapt to life in the spotlight.

&#39;I couldn&#39;t care less&#39;&nbsp;

&quot;I think sometimes players do need protecting as well. Sometimes he goes into press and says things he regrets. In those situations he maybe needs to be guided a little bit better and I&#39;m sure he will learn from that,&quot; Murray said.

&quot;I chat to him about all sorts of things, tennis and sport, basketball. If he ever wanted to talk to me or ask me anything, I would obviously be open to that.&nbsp;

&quot;You don&rsquo;t want to to see young guys who are in the spotlight, struggling and making mistakes, doing things that ultimately hurt them.&quot;

An arm around the shoulder from Murray could be beneficial for Kyrgios, who has responded to overtures from Lleyton Hewitt, Australia&#39;s Davis Cup captain.

Wednesday&#39;s meltdown against 110th-ranked Mischa Zverev came just three days after Kyrgios won the third title of his season, and career, at the Japan Open in Tokyo.

It dented his chances of reaching one of the most prestigious tournaments of the year, the season-ending World Tour Finals in London.

But Kyrgios, who has spoken of his dislike of tennis, insisting he prefers basketball, was unmoved.

&quot;I couldn&#39;t care less, to be completely honest with you,&quot; he said. &quot;Just&nbsp;big deal.&quot;

(AFP)

Kyrgios was slapped with a $16,500 penalty for his meltdown at the Shanghai Masters, where he tanked points, swore and argued with fans

The latest tantrum by Australia's Nick Kyrgios has attracted more than a fine and condemnation as sports stars and experts wonder if he needs help to overcome his demons. Kyrgios was slapped with a $16,500 penalty for his meltdown at the Shanghai Masters, where he tanked points, swore and argued with fans before being booed off court. It follows a catalogue of similar incidents for the talented but troubled 21-year-old, whose rise to world number 14 has been punctuated by controversy. Britain's Andy Murray wondered whether Kyrgios's fine, which amounts to less than half of his prize money for reaching Shanghai's second round, would have any effect. And athletics legend Michael Johnson tweeted: "This guy needs to take a break from the game. Obviously, some serious issues having nothing to do with sport." Petulant outbursts, from John McEnroe, to Serena Williams at the 2009 US Open, are familiar to tennis, but Kyrgios is particularly volatile and, by his own admission, unpredictable. He was also accused of tanking, or giving up, while playing Richard Gasquet last year at Wimbledon, and his run-ins with chair umpires and fans are legion. Last year Kyrgios also received a suspended one-month ban for muttering "(Thanasi) Kokkinakis banged your girlfriend" while playing Stan Wawrinka at the Montreal Masters. On-court flare-ups are common, and easily distracted Kyrgios often gives an audible, running self-commentary as the match progresses. 'Backside in a sling' Australian sports psychologist Jeff Bond, whose clients have included 1987 Wimbledon winner Pat Cash, said Kyrgios was under pressures that most people do not understand. "Armchair experts have got no idea what it's like to be on the tennis circuit and how challenging and stressful it can be," Bond told AFP. "Before we condemn or show concern he may have a mental illness, for example, we need to take into account how rigorous and demanding that circuit is. "There's no other walk of life where you're filmed so intently and so closely and everything is recorded and you're in the view of the media and the public." But Bond also doubted whether Kyrgios was in any mood to seek help, and he warned that no "guru" could fix his problems overnight. "I don't think he cares, and he won't care while they keep slapping his wrist and giving him a relatively paltry fine," said Bond. "He won't care until he's got his backside in a sling." He added: "I hope for his sake and for his own mental wellbeing that at some stage he finds a way to consult somebody that he's prepared to listen to... and wants to implement some of the strategies they decide on. "It's awful to see somebody paint themselves into a corner where they think the only way out is tanking." Murray, speaking to British media, said he would be happy to act as a mentor to Kyrgios, recalling his own struggles to adapt to life in the spotlight. 'I couldn't care less' "I think sometimes players do need protecting as well. Sometimes he goes into press and says things he regrets. In those situations he maybe needs to be guided a little bit better and I'm sure he will learn from that," Murray said. "I chat to him about all sorts of things, tennis and sport, basketball. If he ever wanted to talk to me or ask me anything, I would obviously be open to that. "You don’t want to to see young guys who are in the spotlight, struggling and making mistakes, doing things that ultimately hurt them." An arm around the shoulder from Murray could be beneficial for Kyrgios, who has responded to overtures from Lleyton Hewitt, Australia's Davis Cup captain. Wednesday's meltdown against 110th-ranked Mischa Zverev came just three days after Kyrgios won the third title of his season, and career, at the Japan Open in Tokyo. It dented his chances of reaching one of the most prestigious tournaments of the year, the season-ending World Tour Finals in London. But Kyrgios, who has spoken of his dislike of tennis, insisting he prefers basketball, was unmoved. "I couldn't care less, to be completely honest with you," he said. "Just big deal." (AFP)

Concern not condemnation for troubled Nick Kyrgios

With his sight set on the world number one spot, Andy Murray moved fluently past America&#39;s Steve Johnson 6-3, 6-2 to reach the third round at the Shanghai Masters on Wednesday.&nbsp;

It was a&nbsp;different story for Spanish great Rafael Nadal who crashed to a shock defeat to Viktor Troicki in the first round. The 14-time Grand Slam champion lost 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) as he suffered his first ever defeat to the Serb.&nbsp;

Afterwards, Nadal, now 30 and with a catalogue of injuries to his name, vowed to return to top form in next season. &quot;I know what I have to do and I&#39;m going to do it,&quot; scowled the Spaniard, who has had little to smile about at the big tournaments this year.

&quot;I&#39;ve got two-and-a-half months until next season starts so I have got two-and-a-half months to put myself at the level I want to be. And I&#39;m confident I&#39;m going to do it.&quot;

Australia&#39;s Nick Kyrgios too melted down in spectacular fashion. The hot-headed world number 14 was slapped with a code violation after an altercation with the chair umpire and a heckler. He also got a warning to play properly after he patted a child-like serve into his opponent&#39;s court.

Booed off the court, Kyrgios admitted not trying after he lost 6-3, 6-1 to German qualifier Mischa Zverev, the world number 110. Kyrgios added: &quot;I&#39;m good at hitting a tennis ball at the net. Like, big deal. I don&#39;t owe them anything. It&#39;s my choice,&quot; he said. &quot;If you don&#39;t like it, I didn&#39;t ask you to come watch. Just leave. If you&#39;re so good at giving advice and so good at tennis, why aren&#39;t you as good as me? Why aren&#39;t you on the tour?&quot;

Known for his poor behaviour on court, Kyrgios had even received a one-month suspension last year for making a lewd and personal comment during a match with Stan Wawrinka.

(WION with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Known for his poor behaviour on court, Australia's Nick Kyrgios was fined for an audible obscenity during an argument with the chair umpire

With his sight set on the world number one spot, Andy Murray moved fluently past America's Steve Johnson 6-3, 6-2 to reach the third round at the Shanghai Masters on Wednesday. It was a different story for Spanish great Rafael Nadal who crashed to a shock defeat to Viktor Troicki in the first round. The 14-time Grand Slam champion lost 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) as he suffered his first ever defeat to the Serb. Afterwards, Nadal, now 30 and with a catalogue of injuries to his name, vowed to return to top form in next season. "I know what I have to do and I'm going to do it," scowled the Spaniard, who has had little to smile about at the big tournaments this year. "I've got two-and-a-half months until next season starts so I have got two-and-a-half months to put myself at the level I want to be. And I'm confident I'm going to do it." Australia's Nick Kyrgios too melted down in spectacular fashion. The hot-headed world number 14 was slapped with a code violation after an altercation with the chair umpire and a heckler. He also got a warning to play properly after he patted a child-like serve into his opponent's court. Booed off the court, Kyrgios admitted not trying after he lost 6-3, 6-1 to German qualifier Mischa Zverev, the world number 110. Kyrgios added: "I'm good at hitting a tennis ball at the net. Like, big deal. I don't owe them anything. It's my choice," he said. "If you don't like it, I didn't ask you to come watch. Just leave. If you're so good at giving advice and so good at tennis, why aren't you as good as me? Why aren't you on the tour?" Known for his poor behaviour on court, Kyrgios had even received a one-month suspension last year for making a lewd and personal comment during a match with Stan Wawrinka. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Shanghai Masters: Nadal stunned, Kyrgios booed off court

Australian power-hitter Nick Kyrgios fired an incredible 25 aces Sunday to win the Japan Open, pounding Belgium&#39;s David Goffin 4-6, 6-3, 7-5.

Kyrgios rocketed serves clocking in at more than 220 kilometres (136 miles) per hour in quick succession, giving Goffin little time to regain his rhythm.

Goffin used his quick footwork and long rallies to put pressure on his opponent, but Kyrgios&#39; fearsome serves, in the end, overwhelmed the world&#39;s number 14.

The Australian&nbsp;ranked 15 in the world, also showed off some sharp ground strokes and saved 11 of 12 break points to lift the trophy in two hours.

&quot;I think my serves are what got me out of trouble,&quot; Kyrgios said. &quot;David makes you feel like the court is small. It was a tough match.&quot;

Goffin managed to take the upper hand early in the match by hitting deep, angled returns to make his opponent run while winning long rallies with some clever footwork.

But Kyrgios fired off superb serves from the start, escalating his big-serve offensives in the second set, landing 11 aces, followed by 10 more in the third. He also took risks to blast out sizzling shots even after faulting on first serves.

&quot;His (Goffin&#39;s) strength was returning. So I had to step up my serves a little bit especially in the second set,&quot; Kyrgios said, adding that he also managed to improve his returns as the match progressed.

Goffin said he attempted to play rallies and wait for Kyrgios to make mistakes, but faced an unending shower of cannon-like serves.

&quot;In the first set, he was not serving like he did in the second and third. I was on the ball in the first set,&quot; Goffin said.

&quot;I think, during the match, he had to serve well because I was doing rallies better,&quot; he said.

&quot;He served 215 (kilometres per hour) on the line with a lot of precision. Even if you choose the right side, it&#39;s tough to return,&quot; Goffin added.

Kyrgios grabbed his third trophy of the season, after many of his big-name rivals pulled out of the Tokyo tournament due to injuries.

Defending champion and US Open winner Stan Wawrinka withdrew from the event due to back trouble, while home favourite Kei Nishikori, winner in 2014 and 2012, was unable to finish his second-round match Wednesday because of muscle strain.

Injuries also forced Argentina&#39;s Juan Martin Del Potro, Japan Open winner in 2013, to skip the tournament after receiving an invitation as a wildcard.

(AFP)

Kyrgios rocketed serves clocking in at more than 220 kilometres per hour in quick succession to lift his third trophy of the season

Australian power-hitter Nick Kyrgios fired an incredible 25 aces Sunday to win the Japan Open, pounding Belgium's David Goffin 4-6, 6-3, 7-5. Kyrgios rocketed serves clocking in at more than 220 kilometres (136 miles) per hour in quick succession, giving Goffin little time to regain his rhythm. Goffin used his quick footwork and long rallies to put pressure on his opponent, but Kyrgios' fearsome serves, in the end, overwhelmed the world's number 14. The Australian ranked 15 in the world, also showed off some sharp ground strokes and saved 11 of 12 break points to lift the trophy in two hours. "I think my serves are what got me out of trouble," Kyrgios said. "David makes you feel like the court is small. It was a tough match." Goffin managed to take the upper hand early in the match by hitting deep, angled returns to make his opponent run while winning long rallies with some clever footwork. But Kyrgios fired off superb serves from the start, escalating his big-serve offensives in the second set, landing 11 aces, followed by 10 more in the third. He also took risks to blast out sizzling shots even after faulting on first serves. "His (Goffin's) strength was returning. So I had to step up my serves a little bit especially in the second set," Kyrgios said, adding that he also managed to improve his returns as the match progressed. Goffin said he attempted to play rallies and wait for Kyrgios to make mistakes, but faced an unending shower of cannon-like serves. "In the first set, he was not serving like he did in the second and third. I was on the ball in the first set," Goffin said. "I think, during the match, he had to serve well because I was doing rallies better," he said. "He served 215 (kilometres per hour) on the line with a lot of precision. Even if you choose the right side, it's tough to return," Goffin added. Kyrgios grabbed his third trophy of the season, after many of his big-name rivals pulled out of the Tokyo tournament due to injuries. Defending champion and US Open winner Stan Wawrinka withdrew from the event due to back trouble, while home favourite Kei Nishikori, winner in 2014 and 2012, was unable to finish his second-round match Wednesday because of muscle strain. Injuries also forced Argentina's Juan Martin Del Potro, Japan Open winner in 2013, to skip the tournament after receiving an invitation as a wildcard. (AFP)

Tennis: Nick Kyrgios downs David Goffin 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 to take Japan Open

Australian number one Nick Kyrgios has said he is ready to play this week&#39;s Davis Cup World Group play-off against Slovakia.&nbsp; 
 
Bernard Tomic and doubles specialists, John Peers and Sam Groth, complete the team to face Slovakia from September 16-18. 
 
Kyrgios ranked 15 in the world, downplayed his hip injury and said he was ready. Last week he was forced to quit the US Open third round in tears.&nbsp; 
 
He trained with the team ahead of the weekend&#39;s tie at Sydney&#39;s Ken Rosewall Arena.&nbsp; 
 
He told reporters in Sydney, &quot;I wouldn&#39;t be here if I didn&#39;t want to play.&quot; 
 
&quot;I feel ready. I&#39;m playing probably the best tennis I have,&quot;&nbsp;AFP quoted him as saying.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;I&#39;ve hit twice since I&#39;ve been here and been going for about an hour to an hour-and-a-half, so it&#39;s feeling good and I&#39;m feeling confident with it. 
 
&quot;I just got a niggling injury that came out of nowhere almost. (But) I feel I&#39;ve been going pretty well. I&#39;ve been on the rise the whole year. I&#39;ve been playing well. I feel confident and I think we can do great things.&quot; 
 
He made his tennis debut in 2013 and has only played four ties, with a 3-4 win-loss record in singles. 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
&nbsp;

Nick Kyrgios was forced to quit the third-round of the US Open in tears due to his hip injury

Australian number one Nick Kyrgios has said he is ready to play this week's Davis Cup World Group play-off against Slovakia. Bernard Tomic and doubles specialists, John Peers and Sam Groth, complete the team to face Slovakia from September 16-18. Kyrgios ranked 15 in the world, downplayed his hip injury and said he was ready. Last week he was forced to quit the US Open third round in tears. He trained with the team ahead of the weekend's tie at Sydney's Ken Rosewall Arena. He told reporters in Sydney, "I wouldn't be here if I didn't want to play." "I feel ready. I'm playing probably the best tennis I have," AFP quoted him as saying. "I've hit twice since I've been here and been going for about an hour to an hour-and-a-half, so it's feeling good and I'm feeling confident with it. "I just got a niggling injury that came out of nowhere almost. (But) I feel I've been going pretty well. I've been on the rise the whole year. I've been playing well. I feel confident and I think we can do great things." He made his tennis debut in 2013 and has only played four ties, with a 3-4 win-loss record in singles. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Tennis: 'Ready for Davis Cup', says Australian number one Nick Kyrgios

Australia&#39;s Nick Kyrgios dethroned John Isner by beating the three-time defending champ 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7/4) in the Atlanta Open final to win his second ATP Tour crown. 
 
The second seeded Kyrgios needed one hour and 47 minutes to win his first career match over Isner and snap the hard-serving American&#39;s 15-match winning streak. 
 
&quot;Returning is very crucial against John,&quot; said Kyrgios. &quot;That serve is world class.&quot; 
 
The 21-year-old Kyrgios also improved to 2-1 in ATP Tour finals. His only other title came in February at the Marseille indoor tournament. 
 
Kyrgios, of Canberra, had his back against the wall Sunday in his opening service game when he faced three break points. He saved them all and then won five straight points to hold serve. 
 
Kyrgios will rise to a career high ranking of 16 with this win. He lost to Isner at ATP Tour tournaments in Madrid and Montreal last year. 
 
Isner was seeking to become just the fifth active player to win four consecutive titles which would have allowed him to join Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Kei Nishikori. 
 
He has appeared in the Atlanta final in six of the tournament&#39;s seven years, also finishing runner-up to Mardy Fish in both 2010-11. 
 
(AFP) 
&nbsp;

The Australian ended Isner's 15-match winning streak and the dream to become just the fifth active player to win four consecutive titles

Australia's Nick Kyrgios dethroned John Isner by beating the three-time defending champ 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7/4) in the Atlanta Open final to win his second ATP Tour crown. The second seeded Kyrgios needed one hour and 47 minutes to win his first career match over Isner and snap the hard-serving American's 15-match winning streak. "Returning is very crucial against John," said Kyrgios. "That serve is world class." The 21-year-old Kyrgios also improved to 2-1 in ATP Tour finals. His only other title came in February at the Marseille indoor tournament. Kyrgios, of Canberra, had his back against the wall Sunday in his opening service game when he faced three break points. He saved them all and then won five straight points to hold serve. Kyrgios will rise to a career high ranking of 16 with this win. He lost to Isner at ATP Tour tournaments in Madrid and Montreal last year. Isner was seeking to become just the fifth active player to win four consecutive titles which would have allowed him to join Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Kei Nishikori. He has appeared in the Atlanta final in six of the tournament's seven years, also finishing runner-up to Mardy Fish in both 2010-11. (AFP)

Atlanta Open: Nick Kyrgios dethrones defending champion John Isner to win second ATP Tour finals

Rafael Nadal has conceded he is not yet sure that he will be able to represent Spain at the Rio Olympics as his fitness concerns linger. 
 
The 2008 gold medallist withdrew from the French Open with a wrist injury and missed Wimbledon.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;I will not be at the best level in any of the categories,&quot; Nadal told journalists after arriving in Brazil. &quot;I have not competed for two months and I have not trained a lot.&quot; 
 
&quot;I will train a few days here to see what I can do and then decide what is best, to be more positive for me and the team,&quot; he said. 
Nadal&#39;s spanish team mate David Ferrer acknowledged last week that the 14-time grand slam champion&#39;s fitness situation was &quot;delicate&quot;. 
 
World number five Nadal, who is due to be Spain&#39;s flag bearer, was absent from the 2012 Olympics due to injury and should he withdraw, it would come as a significant blow for tennis at the Games with several other high-profile player also missing. 
 
Roger Federer sits out due to a knee problem and Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonic withdrew citing fears over the Zika virus. 
 
Fellow top 20 players Tomas Berdych, Dominic Thiem, Richard Gasquet, John Isner, Feliciano Lopez and Nick Kyrgios are also out. 
 
Nadal&#39;s coach and uncle, Toni Nadal, later raised hopes the player may be ready to play, although perhaps not in all three events - singles, doubles and mixed doubles. 
 
&quot;His wrist is so much better. We tried to practise normally. We played with a good level, a good intensity,&quot; Toni said. 
 
&quot;We are waiting until tomorrow to take a decision to play all the things or not: singles, doubles and mixed doubles.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Tomorrow we have to talk with (Spain coach) Conchita Martinez and with Rafa and what we think is better for the team, and then we play. Sure, sure, we play something.&quot; 
 
(Reuters) 
&nbsp;

The men's tennis event has already lost a host of stars either through injury, scheduling problems or worries over Zika virus

Rafael Nadal has conceded he is not yet sure that he will be able to represent Spain at the Rio Olympics as his fitness concerns linger. The 2008 gold medallist withdrew from the French Open with a wrist injury and missed Wimbledon. "I will not be at the best level in any of the categories," Nadal told journalists after arriving in Brazil. "I have not competed for two months and I have not trained a lot." "I will train a few days here to see what I can do and then decide what is best, to be more positive for me and the team," he said. Nadal's spanish team mate David Ferrer acknowledged last week that the 14-time grand slam champion's fitness situation was "delicate". World number five Nadal, who is due to be Spain's flag bearer, was absent from the 2012 Olympics due to injury and should he withdraw, it would come as a significant blow for tennis at the Games with several other high-profile player also missing. Roger Federer sits out due to a knee problem and Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonic withdrew citing fears over the Zika virus. Fellow top 20 players Tomas Berdych, Dominic Thiem, Richard Gasquet, John Isner, Feliciano Lopez and Nick Kyrgios are also out. Nadal's coach and uncle, Toni Nadal, later raised hopes the player may be ready to play, although perhaps not in all three events - singles, doubles and mixed doubles. "His wrist is so much better. We tried to practise normally. We played with a good level, a good intensity," Toni said. "We are waiting until tomorrow to take a decision to play all the things or not: singles, doubles and mixed doubles. "Tomorrow we have to talk with (Spain coach) Conchita Martinez and with Rafa and what we think is better for the team, and then we play. Sure, sure, we play something." (Reuters)

Spain's flag bearer Rafael Nadal doubtful over Rio participation

Roger Federer will kick off his 20th season as a professional at the Hopman Cup next year, returning to the international team tournament in Perth for the first time since he teamed up with his now wife Mirka in 2002. 
 
The 34-year-old Swiss will be partnered at the Perth Arena from Jan. 1-7 by compatriot Belinda Bencic, who was a year old when Federer turned professional in July, 1998. 
 
&quot;I do remember it was a good preparation way back when so I thought it would be nice to do it again,&quot; the 17-times grand slam champion, a Hopman Cup winner with Martina Hingis in 2001, said in a video release. 
 
&quot;I can&#39;t wait to come back because I think it will be the perfect way to start the new season.&quot; 
 
Federer and the then Miroslava Vavrinec lost two of their three group matches at the 2002 Hopman Cup, which was won by Tommy Robredo and Arantxa Sanchez Vicario for Spain. 
 
Earlier this year, Nick Kyrgios and Daria Gavrilova teamed up to give Australia their first Hopman Cup triumph since 1999. 
 
(Reuters)

Roger Federer returns to the international team tournament in Perth for the first time since he teamed up with his now wife Mirka in 2000

Roger Federer will kick off his 20th season as a professional at the Hopman Cup next year, returning to the international team tournament in Perth for the first time since he teamed up with his now wife Mirka in 2002. The 34-year-old Swiss will be partnered at the Perth Arena from Jan. 1-7 by compatriot Belinda Bencic, who was a year old when Federer turned professional in July, 1998. "I do remember it was a good preparation way back when so I thought it would be nice to do it again," the 17-times grand slam champion, a Hopman Cup winner with Martina Hingis in 2001, said in a video release. "I can't wait to come back because I think it will be the perfect way to start the new season." Federer and the then Miroslava Vavrinec lost two of their three group matches at the 2002 Hopman Cup, which was won by Tommy Robredo and Arantxa Sanchez Vicario for Spain. Earlier this year, Nick Kyrgios and Daria Gavrilova teamed up to give Australia their first Hopman Cup triumph since 1999. (Reuters)

Federer to open 20th pro season at Hopman Cup

Nick Kyrgios described his first-round clash with the oldest man at Wimbledon - wily Czech Radek Stepanek - as &quot;pretty crazy&quot; on Saturday, saying the 37-year-old had been offering to help coach him. 
 
Stepanek likes nothing better than to make life difficult for more celebrated opponents, as world number two Andy Murray discovered last month when he came within two points of defeat in the first round of the French Open. 
 
But Stepanek, the oldest man in the singles, may end up regretting offering the Australian tips on how to win matches when the two face off on Tuesday. 
 
&quot;To play Stepanek obviously is pretty tough. I&#39;m really good mates with him as well,&quot; 21-year-old Kyrgios, who has been bumped up from his world ranking of 18 to 15th seed, told reporters. &quot;He was just helping me a little bit. So ... playing him now, it&#39;s pretty crazy.&quot; 
 
Asked what kind of pointers he had been given by Stepanek, who coincidentally was the first player the Australian faced when he made his grand slam debut at the French Open in 2013, Kyrgios swiftly changed the subject. 
 
&quot;He was offering to help me a little bit. He&#39;s getting towards the end of his career,&quot; he said. &quot;He&#39;s still playing some great tennis. I feel like grass is his best surface.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
&quot;I know it&#39;s going to be very tough,&quot; added Kyrgios, who could meet 2013 Wimbledon champion Murray in the fourth round. &quot;For me, they&#39;re just fun matches. I&#39;m not looking too far ahead. I know the Kyrgios-Murray fourth round is pretty exciting, but I&#39;ve got some tough matches ahead.&quot; 
 
Kyrgios reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals in 2014, but made the wrong sort of headlines last year when he was accused of &#39;tanking&#39; (not trying) during some points of his defeat by Frenchman Richard Gasquet. 
 
He was fined and given a suspended ban weeks later for making lewd remarks about the girlfriend of Stanislas Wawrinka during a match between the pair in Montreal. 
 
Asked if he had been warned of his behaviour coming into the Wimbledon, he snapped: &quot;No, I just compete.&quot; 
 
(Reuters)

Stepanek likes nothing better than to make life difficult for his more celebrated opponents

Nick Kyrgios described his first-round clash with the oldest man at Wimbledon - wily Czech Radek Stepanek - as "pretty crazy" on Saturday, saying the 37-year-old had been offering to help coach him. Stepanek likes nothing better than to make life difficult for more celebrated opponents, as world number two Andy Murray discovered last month when he came within two points of defeat in the first round of the French Open. But Stepanek, the oldest man in the singles, may end up regretting offering the Australian tips on how to win matches when the two face off on Tuesday. "To play Stepanek obviously is pretty tough. I'm really good mates with him as well," 21-year-old Kyrgios, who has been bumped up from his world ranking of 18 to 15th seed, told reporters. "He was just helping me a little bit. So ... playing him now, it's pretty crazy." Asked what kind of pointers he had been given by Stepanek, who coincidentally was the first player the Australian faced when he made his grand slam debut at the French Open in 2013, Kyrgios swiftly changed the subject. "He was offering to help me a little bit. He's getting towards the end of his career," he said. "He's still playing some great tennis. I feel like grass is his best surface." "I know it's going to be very tough," added Kyrgios, who could meet 2013 Wimbledon champion Murray in the fourth round. "For me, they're just fun matches. I'm not looking too far ahead. I know the Kyrgios-Murray fourth round is pretty exciting, but I've got some tough matches ahead." Kyrgios reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals in 2014, but made the wrong sort of headlines last year when he was accused of 'tanking' (not trying) during some points of his defeat by Frenchman Richard Gasquet. He was fined and given a suspended ban weeks later for making lewd remarks about the girlfriend of Stanislas Wawrinka during a match between the pair in Montreal. Asked if he had been warned of his behaviour coming into the Wimbledon, he snapped: "No, I just compete." (Reuters)

Kyrgios takes on Wimbledon's old man and mate Stepanek

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