World media reacts to ‘shameless’ Nick Kyrgios tank at Shanghai Masters

NICK Kyrgios has angered the world’s media. International press have demanded the ATP Tour ban the tennis brat with a lengthy suspension.

Done.

UNFORTUNATELY it’s very much up for debate if Nick Kyrgios’ shameful display in Shanghai is his lowest moment.

It’s competing against an elite field of wasted, self-pitying, petulant displays.

The 21-year-old imploded in 48 minutes, 6-3 6-1 in the second round at the hands of 110th-ranked qualifier Mischa Zverev.

What makes his tank at the Shanghai Masters so much worse is that it juxtaposes so violently with his mature, spirited performances during his impressive run to win the Japan Open last week.

Some said his win in Tokyo was a turning point.

They were wrong.

In the eyes of the world’s media, Kyrgios’ latest capitulation is his weakest moment yet because it comes after he showed he has the physical tools and mental temperament to win tournaments.

Here’s how the world’s press ran the rule over Australia’s perpetual disappointment.

FOXsports.com’s Chris Chase wrote there will soon be a day when fans stop caring about Kyrgios.

He says Kyrgios should be fined his entire prize money for appearing at the event.

“It’s like he hit the (John) McEnroe Bingo,” he wrote.

Last week.

“It shouldn’t be surprising coming from a kid who has pulled from this playbook before, like when he blatantly tanked a game at Wimbledon, told a Grand Slam champion, in the middle of a match mind you, that his friend had slept with the other guy’s girlfriend or yelled at countless officials. Class, class, class.

“It’s insane to even suggest this, but maybe that’s what Kyrgios needs: a place to hide. A break.

“Normally, a 21-year-old coming off a huge victory would want or need to back that up with another strong performance, this time at a tournament with a better field.

“Instead, Kyrgios plays the victim card every time.

“If you’re going to dog it and play the role of the spoiled brat then there will soon be a day when fans don’t come and then there won’t be an audience for your crap.”

The Telegraph’s Simon Briggs wrote Kyrgios is certain to be fined by the ATP Tour for failing to perform to his “best efforts” — an offence that can be fined up to $US10,000 for each violation of the players’ code.

“There might also be a case for a suspension, although the way Kyrgios is acting at the moment, he might be only too happy to take some time away from the circuit," Briggs wrote.

It’s getting old.

“His appetite for the game is inconsistent and there had been signs – at least in hindsight – that some sort of explosion might be coming.”

He wrote the ATP Tour risks being seen as a joke if it does not take serious action against the famous tennis brat.

“The ATP risks being accused of toothlessness if they do not take action against him,” he wrote.

“A spokesman for the ATP said that, ‘The supervisors on-site are reviewing the entirety of today’s match featuring Nick Kyrgios before determining any breaches of the ATP Code of Conduct, and any associated penalties’.”

Deadspin’s Giri Nathan wrote Kyrgios’ attempt to absolve himself of any debt to supporters was another miscalculated, emotional error.

“At age 21, fresh off his biggest title of his career, Kyrgios might be physically and emotionally drained — he later admitted as much in the same press conference,” he wrote.

“And if he feels that way, he’s free to withdraw from a tournament or retire during a match. What doesn’t make sense is to put on a spectacle of boredom and then try to seize the high ground above righteously disappointed fans, when they came to watch an actual competition.

Nick Kyrgios stopped serving during his loss in Shanghai.

“If there’s one shred of his strange tirade that rings true, it’s that he doesn’t owe anyone a lifetime of devotion to a year-round, physically gruelling individual sport. But he does owe fans an actual effort when he chooses to play, and this ugly compromise — getting on the court and only then deciding that he doesn’t give a s*** — doesn’t serve anyone’s interests.”

Metro.co.uk’s George Bellshaw wrote it is a disgrace that tennis officials have allowed Kyrgios to treat fans like he has.

“Love him or hate him, this performance from Nick Kyrgios in the Shanghai Masters was disgraceful,” he wrote.

“For all the exciting tennis he’s brought to the sport, this sort of thing happens far too often. It’s a complete joke for the fans who pay good money to turn up and watch him and he should not only be fined but he should front the cost of their tickets.”