Nick Kyrgios is out of the Italian Open, after being defaulted in his second-round clash with Norway's Caspar Rudd on Friday (NZ time).
With the scores level at 6-3 6-7 (7-5) 1-1 in the third set, Kyrgios took exception to movement in the crowd and made his feelings known to the spectators, after his serve was broken by the Norwegian.
He was docked a game by the chair umpire and furiously kicked a bottle, then hurled a sideline chair on to the court, before picking up his bag and leaving the court.
He was subsequently defaulted from the match, handing Rudd a third-round clash with Argentinian Juan Martin del Potro.
"Very eventful day to say the least," Kyrgios wrote on Instagram later.
"Emotions got the better of me and I just wanted to say that the atmosphere was crazy out there today, just super unfortunate that it had to end in a default. Sorry Roma, see you again, maybe."
Serial offender Kyrgios, who has a history of bad behaviour, was suspended by the ATP Tour in 2016 for tanking in a match against Mischa Zverev and insulting fans during a loss at the Shanghai Masters.
The ATP has confirmed Kyrgios will lose US$33,635 (NZ$51,440) in prizemoney from the tournament, in addition to 45 ATP points, and said there'd likely be further punishment, pending an investigation.
In 2015, Kyrgios insulted Stan Wawrinka with crude remarks during a match in Montreal. He was fined $US12,500 and given a suspended 28-day ban.
He also attracted criticism for deciding not to play at the 2016 Olympics, because of a spat with chef de mission Kitty Chiller.
The controversial Canberran made international headlines before the match, when he launched a withering attack on world number one Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Fernando Verdasco in an explosive podcast interview.
AAP
