WATCH: Nick Kyrgios calls umpire delusional, gets just a warning
Australia's tennis player Nick Kyrgios is known to have a hot head. Often, he is seen doing unnecessary antics on the field. And this time, the Aussie has gone the distance in hitting out at the umpire during his Laver Cup match against Roger Federer. Kyrgios is playing for Team World, which is up against Team Europe. Here is what happened.
Intense behavior
Kyrgios fumes after chair umpire's decision
Kyrgios was playing a singles match against Roger Federer, when the incident happened. Kyrgios got into an argument with the chair umpire as the latter ruled against the player's serve in the second set. Hawkeye overruled the umpire's decision, who went ahead in calling for the point to be replayed. This got Kyrgios angry and he fumed, "You are delusional."
It was a sh** judgement, claims Kyrgios
The Australian tennis star ranted, "It was a sh** judgement, everyone here knows it." He was joined by Team World captain John McEnroe, who also got into the argument. Kyrgios went down in the game and lost in straight sets against Federer, who was a superior player throughout. Team Europe had taken a big lead, but now that's been cut short to 7-5.
Kyrgios and McEnroe angry at the umpire
Debate could heat up as Kyrgios gets just a warning
Notably, Kyrgios got away with just a warning. At a time, where controversies surrounding match umpires have taken the limelight, we will have to see how the debate goes on from here on. Serena Williams had lashed out at the match official during the US Open final, this year, after her on-ground behavior led to a game being taken away.
Officials are inconsistent and this is threatening the sport
With Serena getting a three code violations from the umpire and also handed a fine of $17,000, one comes to the conclusion that Kyrgios deserved stricter punishment. Serena had called the official a thief. Everybody is calling for equal treatment of players, and only a warning to Kyrgios seems unfair. It's time, officials need to be wiser and fair.
How Serena went about with all the criticisms and claims?
Serena received mixed reactions after her verbal slur against the official. If the on-court incident wasn't enough, Serena next threatened the official, claiming he will never be on the same court when she plays tennis. She also called the umpire sexist. A report in The New York Times stated that male tennis players face the brunt, more often. But this time it was different.
