The Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios was fined $7,500 for his improper behavior after he was heard swearing and spitting on the court at the U.S. Open. Nevertheless, Kyrgios advanced to the third round of the Grand Slam competition by defeating Bonzi 7-6 (7-3) 6-4 4-6 6-4.
During the third set, Kyrgios went on a violent rant at his entourage, which included his girlfriend in the players’ box, Costeen Hatzi.
Nick Kyrgios’ routine implosion is taking place as we speak.
The Aussie has just been broken in the third set before proceeding to spit in the direction of his box and scream out “go home if you’re not going to fucking support me bro.”
Bonzi holds. Kyrgios leads 2-1.#USOpen
— Tom Young (@TomYoungSJ) August 31, 2022
“Go home if you’re not going to f***ing support me,” Kyrgios yelled.
Kyrgios received a warning for using foul language during the game. A similar incident happened during the second set where Kyrgios informed the chair umpire earlier that he could smell marijuana in the crowd.
“It was f***ing marijuana,” he yelled.
The umpire warned the fans that smoking was not permitted close to the court. The U.S. Open has also been clear that smoking is not allowed anywhere on the Flushing Meadows grounds.
Nick Kyrgios just complained to the chair umpire at @usopen that he smelled marijuana coming from the crowd pic.twitter.com/eYDQXOb2rq
— DannyDanko (@DannyDanko) August 31, 2022
After the game, Kyrgios explained his reaction toward marijuana to the reporters.
“People don’t know that I’m a heavy asthmatic,” Kyrgios said. “So when I’m running side to side and struggling to breathe already, it’s probably not something I want to be breathing in between points.”
Officials from the U.S. Open decided to punish Kyrgios with a $7,500 fine for his outburst. It is the highest fine ever imposed in a Grand Slam tournament.
“Honestly I’d rather play doubles than practice. It’s good money too…and makes my girlfriend happy.” – @NickKyrgios
We all have our own motivation for doubles I suppose 🤷🏻♂️
— The Tennis Tribe (@the_tennistribe) September 2, 2022
Kyrgios will face American J.J. Wolf in the following round. However, he claimed that his good form is putting more pressure on him than usual.
“It’s so stressful now because every match I play, I’m kind of expecting to play so good,” Kyrgios said.
Kyrgios added that having a great performance in every game is impossible.
“I probably have to lower the expectation of playing like it’s a Wimbledon final every time,” he said. “There are so many capable players who can play.”
.@usopen you’re really gonna let someone spit on one of your most prestigious courts (or any court tbh)? have some respect for yourselves… pic.twitter.com/6vQb42zwcU
— mimi🧍🏻♀️| RAFA COMEBACK ERA ⁵⁵⁴ (@rafastefbaes) September 1, 2022
Kyrgios’ series of outbursts
Kyrgios has exploded in this familiar way in his match against Novak Djokovic, where he voiced his displeasure to the umpire on Anna Palus’ conduct on Center Court.
Kyrgios requested that the umpire dismiss the woman because she “looks like she’s had about 700 drinks.” Palus was briefly taken out of the court but later claimed she had only consumed two beers.
Consequently, Palus has now decided to file a lawsuit against Kyrgios in order to clear her name. Palus also sent a statement released by her solicitor Brett Wilson.
In that statement, Palus explained that she attended the match with her mother, and they had looked forward to watching it.
“During the course of the final, Nick Kyrgios made a reckless and entirely baseless allegation against me,” Palus said.
Furthermore, Palus claimed that Kyrgios’ words did not only result in her temporary removal but also caused “substantial damage and distress” to her and her family.
“Mr Kyrgios’ false allegation was broadcast to, and read by, millions around the world, causing me and my family very substantial damage and distress,” Palus added.
Palus concluded her statement by expressing her wish for Kyrgios to face consequences for the harm he had caused Palus and her family.
However, if Kyrgios refuses to do so, Palus will continue to seek justice from the High Court.
“The need to obtain vindication, and to prevent repetition of the allegation, are the only reasons for taking legal action,” Palus said. “Any damages recovered will be donated to charity.”