Nick Kyrgios breaks his racket in his second round match against South Africa’s Kevin Anderson. Picture: AP
NICK Kyrgios has suffered a stunning French Open meltdown — asking for a beer mid-match and obliterating racquets — before plummeting to astonishing second-round defeat.
Cruising when leading by a set and 4-2 up in the second, Kyrgios’ fury over inconsistent serving saw him destroy two racquets, leaving him perilously close to default.
Nick Kyrgios gestures after missing a shot. Picture: APSource:AP
Nick Kyrgios’ face says it all. Picture: GettySource:Getty Images
The fallout from the serving lapse saw Kyrgios fade suddenly out of contention, prompting him to ask spectators to get him a beer after dropping serve in the fourth set.
“Get me a beer now,” he said. “Honest to God, get me one now.”
When a spectator responded “You’re kidding”, Kyrgios said: “I don’t think so.”
Winning 11 of the first 18 games and dominating rallies, Kyrgios vanished mid-match.
From 4-2 in the second set, he would win only three more games in a gruesome 5-7 6-4 6-1 6-2 loss to South African Kevin Anderson.
South Africa’s Kevin Anderson serves against Australia’s Nick Kyrgios. Picture: APSource:AP
Pushed over the edge by uncharacteristically poor serving, Kyrgios finished with 16 aces, nine double faults, 49 winners and 42 unforced errors.
In complete control until the inexplicable lapse, Kyrgios was warned and then given a point penalty after mangling two frames in the final game of the second set.
French chair umpire Damien Dumusois issued the first code violation warning when Kyrgios double-faulted to hand Anderson a set point.
And, delivering a second double to concede the set, Kyrgios ambled to his courtside chair and destroyed a new racquet with six angry swishes into courtside furniture.
The game was Nick Kyrgios’ to lose after a good start. Picture: GettySource:Getty Images
e will be fined along similar lines to the $ 7300 penalty he received at January’s Australian Open for swearing and racquet abuse.
The implosion came completely against match trend and left Kyrgios within two more warnings of being thrown out of the match.
Composed, mostly silent and focused, Kyrgios was on course for victory — even with left hip soreness.
The defeated Nick Kyrgios of Australia shakes hands with Kevin Anderson. Picture: GettySource:Getty Images
But two sloppy service games sapped both focus and discipline, sending him into a vicious downward spiral against a steady, experienced professional.
From barely saying a word to coach Sebastien Grosjean and Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt, Kyrgios muttered increasingly as he trudged disconsolately from one side of the court to the other.
The defeated Nick Kyrgios of Australia walks off court following the men’s singles second round match against Kevin Anderson. Picture: GettySource:Getty Images
By the end of the match, the Australian was consumed with self-loathing.
Walking to his chair on the final change of ends, Kyrgios repeatedly said “it’s a joke” before flinging his racquet away.
As he strolled off court, Kyrgios checked his mobile as Anderson signed autographs.
Australia’s Nick Kyrgios breaks his racket in his second round match against South Africa’s Kevin Anderson. Picture: APSource:AP
Originally published as Kyrgios’ beer, broken racquets tantrum
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