13 Oct 2016

Kyrgios back to behaving badly

7:22 am on 13 October 2016

Australia tennis player Nick Kyrgios has caused more on-court controversy after he was accused of unprofessional behaviour by the umpire in a 48-minute loss at the Shanghai Masters.

Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios

Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Kyrgios was beaten 6-3 6-1 by unseeded German Mischa Zverev and could yet face further sanction after appearing to put in no effort during various stages of the second-round match.

Just days after calmly winning his third title of the year in Japan, Kyrgios returned to type, arguing with spectators, receiving a code violation for an audible obscenity and walking to the change of ends before one of Zverev's serves even landed.

After all but giving away a point, chair umpire Ali Nilli told Kyrgios off.

"You can't play like that, OK? That's not professional ... this is a professional tournament, we have to act professional and play with your best effort the whole time," Nilli said.

Kyrgios received a code violation after swearing at the crowd who were riding the Australian.

Down 1-4 in the second set Kyrgios suggested one spectator should "go home" after he told the Australian to "respect the game, respect the people".

Kyrgios has since posted on twitter that there were no excuses for his meltdown.

"Not good enough today on many levels, I'm better than that," he posted.

"I can go on about excuses but there are none. Sorry .StillAWorkInProgress."

The 21-year-old explained his "arm was a little sore" when questioned on the weak serves after the match, which Zverev said was similar to playing his girlfriend.

- AAP

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