Nick Kyrgios is out of the Italian Open and is facing suspension and a heavy fine after being defaulted in his second-round clash with Norway's Casper Ruud.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Just hours after an explosive interview, in which he ripped into Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Fernando Verdasco, Kyrgios stormed out of his second-round clash after hurling a chair on to the court.
With scores level at 6-3 6-7 (7-5) 1-1 in the third set, Kyrgios took exception to some movement in the crowd and made his feelings known to the spectators after being broken by the Norwegian.
He was subsequently docked a game by the chair umpire. Furious at the decision, Kyrgios booted a water bottle and then stunned spectators by picking up a fold-up wooden chair and hurling it across the court before picking up his bag and storming off, although he did shake hands with Ruud and the chair umpire.
Warning: Video contains strong language
He was defaulted from the match, handing Ruud a third-round clash with Juan Martin del Potro.
"Very eventful day to say the least," Kyrgios wrote on Instagram later.
"Emotions got the better of me and I just wanted to say that the atmosphere was crazy out there today, just super unfortunate that it had to end in a default. Sorry Roma, see you again, maybe."
The controversial Canberran made international headlines before the match when he launched a withering attack on world No.1 Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Fernando Verdasco in an explosive podcast interview.
Kyrgios could face suspension from the ATP following his antics in Rome.
Serial offender Kyrgios, who has a history of bad behaviour, was suspended by the ATP Tour in 2016 for tanking in a match against Mischa Zverev and insulting fans during a loss at the Shanghai Masters.
The ATP have confirmed Kyrgios will lose $33,635 in prize money from the tournament in addition to 45 ATP points, and said there's likely be further punishment pending an investigation.
In 2015, Kyrgios insulted Stan Wawrinka with crude remarks during a match in Montreal.
He was fined $US12,500 and given a suspended 28-day ban.
He also attracted criticism for deciding not to play at the 2016 Olympics because of a spat with chef de mission Kitty Chiller.
AAP
