US Open tennis: Nick Kyrgios calls ATP corrupt over record fine

Nick Kyrgios attacked the men’s tennis tour and clashed with reporters in a surly post-match press conference.

Nick Kyrgios has lashed out at the men’s tour, and clashed with reporters after his first-round match at the US Open. Picture: Getty Images

Nick Kyrgios has branded the ATP Tour as corrupt for fining him a record $167,000 for his appalling tantrum in Cincinnati a fortnight ago.

Speaking after a 6-3 7-6 (1) 6-4 win over American Steve Johnson, the Australian was happy to discuss the success of compatriots Thanasi Kokkinakis, Alexei Popyrin and Jordan Thompson.

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But when he was asked about the fine levied for his behaviour against Karen Khachanov in Ohio recently, he issued a defamatory allegation at the organisation that runs the men’s tour.

“Not at all. The ATP is pretty corrupt anyway, so I am not fussed about it at all,” he said.

“I got fined US$113K for what?”

When asked if he should have been defaulted in the match and, therefore, avoided being fined, the Australian engaged in an exchange with a journalist as his agent John Morris and an ATP press official tried to cut short the press conference.

“Why are we talking about something that happened three weeks ago when I just chopped up someone first round at the US Open?” he asked.

The journalist responded that it was a record fine and it was the time an opportunity had presented to ask his reaction.

Kyrgios responded by asking whether the journalist had “ever sworn at anyone before?”.

“I am just asking a question. Have you? Have you ever sworn at someone before?” he said.

When told not usually in public, he responded; “You are also not an elite athlete. Just answer my question. Have you ever sworn at someone before?”

He was then challenged about the view.

“Are you saying that elite sportsmen are allowed to swear at people?” another journalist asked.

The 28th seed responded; “No. I am just saying people get frustrated. It happens.”

The ATP stated when issuing the fine towards Kyrgios that it was still investigating the incidents that occurred during the match in Cincinnati.

He has previously been suspended for behaviour stemming from incidents that occurred at the Shanghai Masters in 2016 and has a lengthy list of disciplinary issues.

The US Open is run by a different ruling body.