Tennis: Kyrgios exits to boos at Rogers Cup, a second fine and even a possible ban

Nick Kyrgios of Australia looks on during his match against John Isner of the USA on day four of the Rogers Cup at Uniprix Stadium on Aug 13, 2015, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. PHOTO: AFP

MONTREAL (REUTERS) - Australian Nick Kyrgios exited tennis' Rogers Cup to boos and a second fine from the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) for insulting remarks, slumping to a 5-7, 3-6 third-round loss to big-hitting American John Isner on Thursday.

The controversial player stepped onto the court at the centre of a storm, after insulting Swiss opponent Stan Wawrinka on Wednesday, and was greeted by a smattering of boos from the Montreal crowd.

Prior to the match, the ATP had fined Kyrgios US$10,000 (S$14,000), the maximum penalty available, for remarks directed at Wawrinka and his girlfriend picked up by a courtside microphone.

"Kokkinakis banged your girlfriend," Kyrgios said, referring to his Davis Cup team-mate Thanasi Kokkinakis. "Sorry to tell you that, mate."

French Open champion Wawrinka, who separated from his wife last year, has been linked with Croatian WTA Tour player Donna Vekic, as has Kokkinakis.

Following his loss to Isner, Kyrgios said he considered the matter closed but the ATP said it was reviewing the incident and considering further sanctions against the Australian.

"It's all cleared now. Obviously I apologised in public (on Twitter and Facebook) and privately as well.

"I've been fined. So everything is sort of put to bed now. I thought we could move on from it."

Asked if he feared any further sanctions from the ATP, he said "no".

But this did not stop the ATP from taking further action. So the other shoe dropped a few hours later when it issued another statement that an additional fine of US$2,500 had been imposed for "Unsportsmanlike Conduct related to a comment made to a ball person during the match".

More significantly, the ATP raised the possibility that Kyrgios could be suspended. "Kyrgios has been served with a 'Notice of Investigation' which begins a process to determine if his actions also constitute a violation of the Player Major Offence provisions set forth under 'Aggravated Behaviour' or 'Conduct Contrary to the Integrity of the Game'.

"That investigation opens up the possibility of further penalties which could include additional monetary fines and/or suspension from ATP events."

With Isner serving for the match there were more boos for Kyrgios, who lost his cool again engaging in a heated exchange with a spectator.

Turning towards the side of the court, he barked: "You're so tough man, so tough."

After Isner closed out the match with a thundering unreturnable serve, Kyrgios quickly left the stadium to more boos.

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