Why was Nick Kyrgios given a point penalty by the umpire Carlos Bernardes? What happened afterwards was much uglier

After screaming multiple screeds at the umpire during his Miami Open defeat, Nick Kyrgios was fortunate to avoid disqualification on Tuesday night. During a 7-6, 6-3 loss to Italian Jannik Sinner in the fourth round, the erratic Australian was issued a game penalty, placing him one violation away from a default.

Also, it did not just stop there. After shaking hands with his opponent at the net, Kyrgios screamed at Brazilian umpire Carlos Bernardes, calling him an “absolute clown.”

“He should be fired on the spot”- Nick Kyrgios

After five games on the second court, Kyrgios expressed his dissatisfaction with the Stadium’s differences. “It’s completely different. You think anyone is gonna tell the players that it’s completely different before the event starts or? Hey guys, just to let you know,” he said, sitting down at 2-3 on serve.

Continuing to mumble, the world No. 102 proposed that tournament organisers inform players of the disparities, comparing them to grass and clay courts. “Can I have an umbrella or…?” he asked, before adding: “Just to let you know guys, centre court is completely different to the grandstand for some odd reason. May as well be grass and clay. What a joke.”

After chair umpire Carlos Bernardes’ walkie-talkie went off loudly into his microphone midway through Sinner’s serve at 4-4, the six-time ATP title holder continued to rant. During the change of ends, Kyrgios unleashed a tirade against the ATP personnel, bringing him within one game of the set. “He should be fired on the spot,” the 26-year-old who is the oldest remaining player left in the ATP draw said of Bernardes. “How is that possible? A fourth-round of Miami, one of the biggest tournaments and you guys just can’t do your job. It’s embarrassing. Get a new set of referees, these guys don’t know how to do s***. Walky-talkies going off.“

As supporters continued to cheer throughout rallies, he proceeded to target Bernardes, telling him he had “no idea how to control a crowd” halfway through the first-set tiebreak. The umpire had previously requested the spectators refrain from applauding until the finish of a point. Kyrgios had gotten a code penalty earlier in the set for audible vulgarity, but he did not receive another for his diatribe towards Bernardes. The former world No. 13 was already agitated by the noises on the court, and he had previously expressed his displeasure with loud music playing during rallies.

Will the ATP suspend the Aussie ?

After the £18,000 fine he received two weeks ago at Indian Wells after his loss to Rafael Nadal, the ATP Tour must now determine whether to suspend him or impose another sanction. However, when it comes to its marquee players, the circuit is known for being indulgent. So, only time will tell what happens next.

Also Read: Crowd boos Chair Umpire Carlos Bernardes after giving an ‘unfair’ game penalty to Nick Kyrgios

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