‘I’m not playing’: Nick Kyrgios spits the dummy

Nick Kyrgios directs a flash of fire towards a familiar target as he continues his Australian Open preparation | WATCH

Nick Kyrgios argues with the match referee in his singles match against Harry Bourchier. Picture: Getty Images.

Nick Kyrgios directed a flash of fire towards a familiar target at Melbourne Park on Wednesday night as he continued his Australian Open preparation with a mixed performance.

After edging Alexandre Muller in a third-set tie-breaker on his return to the court on Tuesday, the Canberran proved too strong for Harry Bourchier 6-2 7-6 (7) to reach the last 16 of the Murray River Open.

Nick Kyrgios argues after walking off the court. Picture: Getty Images.

Nick Kyrgios argues with the referee. Picture: Getty Images.

The 25-year-old served particularly well again but was pressed throughout the second set by Bourchier, a Tasmanian who won his first ATP Tour level match this week in Melbourne and held three points to force a deciding set.

As the match tightened, Kyrgios lost his focus and clashed with the umpire over a contentious call.

Issued with a time violation when serving at 5-all, he demanded the supervisor be called to the court in protest at the decision and refused to play on. He claimed his service motion had already started at the time.

“Bro, I just started serving,” Kyrgios said.

“I was in my motion, what are you talking about? I’m not playing, I’m not playing.”

Spectators laughed as he walked to the bench and kept arguing with umpire Nacho Forcadell.

“I ain’t f***ing moving,” he told Mr Forcadell from his courtside chair.

“It is like you guys do it just to be funny. Do you think you are funny? Why do you do it?

“Good one by you. The tennis is about the umpires? You are an extra in all this.”

Kyrgios had a point. And the supervisor backed him in. He was not penalised a first serve and will not be fined. But it can be argued it is unfair to Bourchier, who pleaded with play to continue at a time he was pressing his more experienced compatriot.

Meanwhile, the lead-up tournaments at Melbourne Park for the Open have been cancelled as up to 600 players, officials and support staff are told to get tested and self-isolate after a worker at a hotel tested positive for coronavirus.

The new measures affect those who quarantined at the Grand Hyatt and who are considered casual contacts of the security officer. Victorian premier Daniel Andrews announced last night the guard had tested positive, possibly for the UK strain, five days after guarding the tennis entourage.