Nick Kyrgios cops huge punishment for mid-match walkout
Controversial Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios has copped a massive punishment for his mid-match walkout during his first-round match at the Shanghai Masters.
The 22-year-old was fined $A12,840 and lost another $A27,071 in prize money on Wednesday, tennis official said.
He could face further punishment from the ATP after it fined the temperamental Australian for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Kyrgios was also not allowed to collect his prize money for taking part in the tournament because he did not get signed off for a medical afterwards to prove he was unwell or hurt.
Kyrgios, who also pulled out of his scheduled doubles match with Frenchman Lucas Pouille on Wednesday, apologised after walking off court on Tuesday after losing the first-set tie break to American Steve Johnson.
In a statement posted on Twitter a he said that he had a “stomach bug” and had hurt his shoulder.
But the fiery Australian’s tennis future is in doubt again as he exited the courted to jeers and boos from spectators.
It came after he complained to the umpire about the spectators who were moving around between points in the tie break, muttering “Exactly why I shouldn’t come here” beneath his breath.
He appeared to blame the umpire for failing to get the spectators in line, complaining, “Poor officiating again,” and added, “Sick of this place.”