Nick Kyrgios was in an unapologetic mood after his latest outburst towards an umpire at the U.S. Men's Clay Court Championships in Houston.
The Australian faced Reilly Opelka in Saturday's semi-final and went down 6-3 in the first set before finding himself level with the American at 5-5 in the second.
Kyrgios was infuriated with umpire Joshua Brace after a return from Opelka was not called out, with the 26-year-old going on to lose in straight sets in the final four after incurring a point penalty.
Kyrgios angrily shouted: "F***** out! How are you not calling it? It's an absolute joke. Do you feel bad? I don't think you feel bad," at Brace, who admitted that he may have made a mistake with the call.
The Australian claimed on social media following the defeat that he was not the only one to have been left questioning umpires' performances in Houston, writing: "Haha again... falls all on me.
"Umpires seem to make these mistakes a little too often. A lot of players seemed dissatisfied with the performance of them this week in Houston. More punishment? Potentially new umpires? Semi final, 'I missed it nick' on clay 5-5 in the second set 😂"
Haha again... falls all on me. Umpires seem to make these mistakes a little too often. A lot of players seemed dissatisfied with the performance of them this week in Houston. More punishment? Potentially new umpires? Semi final, 'I missed it nick' on clay 5-5 in the second set 😂 https://t.co/twdrC5Npwv
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) April 9, 2022
Kyrgios's recent outbursts at the Indian Wells Masters and Miami Open saw him slapped with total fines of $A80,000 (£45,764), and he is expected to receive further punishment from the ATP after Saturday's outburst.
An all-US final will see Kyrgios's conqueror Opelka do battle with John Isner, who defeated Chile's Cristian Garin 4-6 6-3 6-4 in the other semi-final.
Ben Knapton
