Hobbled Nick Kyrgios lets rip on ball boys in Montreal

ATP Tour
Nick Kyrgios in action

Nick Kyrgios appeared to be struggling through injury as he suffered a 7-6 6-7 6-1 quarter-final defeat to Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz at the Montreal Masters.

Kyrgios had seemed a hot pick for the title but looked to be trying to play through pain in the loss.

The Australian hadn’t thrown any noticeable tantrums this week and was relatively well behaved despite his niggle.

Kyrgios was in some hurry when serving, and kept Hurkacz on the hop.

Kyrgios would average just 10 seconds between points during the opening two sets and he would frequently interrupt the crowd’s roars with his hurried style.

Hurkacz rushed to ready himself for the return and was able to keep up and even get the upper hand.

The WTA Tour should promote the stars they have says Former British No 1

His haste was clear when he chastised the ball boys for taking too long to give him his balls.

He did question Hurkacz changing his kit during the middle of the final set.

“Why did he change clothes, nobody needs to change clothes,” Kyrgios exclaimed.

“Fifteen f*****g degrees. Nobody needs to change clothes in this temperature.”

Kyrgios then appeared to flag in the third set, still serving quickly but with less venom and Hurkacz would book his second Masters semi-final of the 2022 season.

Hurkacz admitted that he felt a dip in performance from an injured Kyrgios which he felt was a big influence on the outcome.

“I started really well. Nick was maybe a little bit injured, which might have hurt his serve. With both of us serving so well, that few per cent can make the difference,” Hurkacz said.

Nick Kyrgios admits being away from his sick parents is taking its toll, saying ‘I am missing home’

Kyrgios still put on a show despite struggling and showed why he is one of the biggest draws in tennis.

“Nick has been playing some incredible tennis throughout the past weeks, so it is a pleasure playing against him,” Hurkacz said in his on-court interview.

“I hope the fans enjoyed it as well, but I am happy with the result in the end.”

Hurkacz has now established a 2-0 lead over Kyrgio in their ATP Tour head to head series.

The 25-year-old Pole has improved his record to 28-1 in matches where he has won the first set this year.

Hurkacz is now the only former Masters 1000 champion left in the Montreal draw.

He can bolster his hopes of being successful in the ATP Race To Turin with a win in Montreal as he currently occupies ninth on the standings.

Nick Kyrgios

Latest