He may have had a relatively easy win during the first round at the US Open, but Nick Kyrgios’ lucky streak quickly turned sour.
The aftermath of the Aussie’s 6-3 7-6 6-4 win against Steve Johnson has been overshadowed by “gross” vision of him wiping a towel on his crotch before handing it to a fan and a press conference bombshell that has infuriated tennis officials.
On Wednesday, the ATP launched an investigation into Kyrgios’ allegations saying they’re “corrupt”.
The 24-year-old was fined a record $167,000 for his spectacular meltdown in Cincinnati earlier this month, and he had a few things to say about it.
“The ATP is pretty corrupt anyway. I’m not fussed about it at all,” he said. “I was fined $113,000 (USD) for what? Why are we talking about something that happened three weeks ago when I just chopped up someone first round of a US Open?
“Have you ever sworn at someone before? You’re not an elite athlete … I’m just saying people get frustrated. It happens.”
When the fine was issued, the ATP was originally going to hand out a suspension alongside it, as Kyrgios called Irish umpire Fergus Murphy a “potato” and a “f***ing tool”.
They are now planning to take further action due to his latest “major offence”.
“The comments made by Nick Kyrgios after his first round match in New York will be assessed under the Player Major offence provision under ATP rules,” the ATP said in a statement.
“A determination will be made by Gayle David Bradshaw, Executive Vice President, Rules & Competition, following an investigation as required by ATP rules.”
But not long after the ATP released their statement, Kyrgios took to social media to set the record straight and “to clarify my comment about the ATP being corrupt”.
“It was not the correct choice of words and my point and intention was to address what I see as double standards rather than corruption,” he tweeted. “I know my behaviour at times has been controversial and that has landed me in trouble, which at times is granted and valid.
“But my issue is around others whether gaining the same, less or more media attention doing the same or similar behaviour and not being sanctioned.
“That’s my issue and it continues to be. To be clear I know I’m not perfect and do not pretend to be and I acknowledge I’ve deserved fines and sanctioning at times.
“But I expect consistency and fairness with this across the board, to date that’s not happened.
“I’ve had huge support from (ATP boss) Chris Kermode and have given it in return, so I want to clarify my comments but stand by my beliefs and sentiment around double standards.”
Whether his explanation saves him is yet to be confirmed.
