WATCH: Nick Kyrgios slams ‘smart arse’ umpire after time violation controversy in Melbourne

Tennis Videos

Shahida Jacobs
February 3, 2021

Nick Kyrgios picked up another win at Melbourne Park in front of his home fans, but it was certainly not without controversy.

The Australian beat compatriot Harry Bourchier 6-2, 7-6 (7-5) at the Murray River Open, but his win was overshadowed by a clash with umpire Nacho Forcadell.

After reminding him to speed up in between points during the contest, Forcadell handed the world No 47 a time violation as the Australian was serving at 5-5 in the second set, a decision that drew an angry response from Kyrgios, who claimed he was in the middle of his service motion when the clock hit zero.

Kyrgios said: “My serving motion starts from here. I don’t understand. That’s my motion. I was serving. Why do you have to call it? Why did you do it? I was in my motion serving. I want an explanation.”

He also made barbed comments about Forcadell, saying: “Tennis is about the umpires, right? You guys are in charge. You’re an extra for all of this.”

Kyrgios refused to play for several minutes and only continued when a supervisor entered court and reassured him that he would not be fined.

However, he continued to make stinging comments about Forcadell to the supervisor, swearing and referring to him as “smart arse” during the heated exchange.

He made further comments to Bourchier about the incident just before play resumed, saying: “I’ve lost enough money to these peanuts.”

Kyrgios saved three set points in the second set before sealing victory, and afterwards the former world No 13 was asked about the incident in his post-match interview.

He said: “I just like playing by the rules.

“I didn’t want to play until I made sure I wasn’t going to get fined, because the ATP does me pretty rough all the time, they fine me too much money.”

Kyrgios will next face fourth seed Borna Coric for a place in the last eight.

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Nick Kyrgios