Nick Kyrgios has kicked off the tennis season by storming off the court and calling the chair umpire a “smarta***” after being awarded a time violation during Wednesday night’s game against Harry Bourchier.

Kyrgios repeatedly complained about the limited time he had between serves during his second set of the Murray River Open clash.

COVID-19 restrictions have prohibited ball kids from bringing towels to players between points, meaning Kyrgios was forced to retrieve the towel himself.

The Australian firecracker lost his temper when the chair umpire Nacho Forcadell called a time violation towards the end of the set.

“Bro, I just started serving,” Kyrgios said.

“I was in my motion, what are you talking about?

“I’m not playing, I’m not playing.”

The Melbourne spectators could be seen laughing as Kyrgios made his way to the bench in frustration.

The 25-year-old continued to argue with Forcadell, and claimed that he’d already started his service motion when the clock struck zero.

“I’m not f***ing moving. It’s like you guys do it to just be funny,” Kyrgios said.

“Bro, I was serving. Why’d you have to call it?

“Because the tennis is about the umpires, right? They come to see you. You’re an extra. You’re an extra for all of us.”

Replays showed that Kyrgios was undeniably into his service motion when the violation was called.

While speaking with court supervisor Cedric Mourier, Kyrgios could not hide his anger towards the chair umpire.

“I saw the clock … I’m pulling my serve here and he called a time violation,” Kyrgios said.

“Tennis isn’t about him (the chair umpire). He’s an extra to make all this s**t go smoothly, so why is he doing this?

“I have to walk back and forth to get my towel now, so he’s a smarta*** and calls it? And now I have to get fined for it, but I was playing by the rules.”

Kyrgios reluctantly agreed to finish the match.

“Do I get fined for that, yes or no?” Kyrgios asked.

“I’ve lost enough money to these peanuts.”

Kyrgios eventually claimed a 6-2 7-6 victory after saving several set points to qualify for the round of 16.

Next, he will face Croatia’s Borna Coric.

“I definitely feel at home playing at the Aus Open,” Kyrgios said after the match.

“I love it here, it’s my favourite tournament of the year.

“I thought that the level (Bourchier) brought in the second set was very high. He was serving really, really well and he started getting on to a couple of my serves.

“I’m actually pretty happy with the way I played today.

“A tough one tomorrow, but first I have a dinner and some wine to drink.”