Face of Nation : Nick Kyrgioshas accused Queen’s match officials of “rigging” his opening clash with Roberto Carballes Baena.
Kyrgios was in an entertaining mood and his shot selection was of the highest quality early on.
However, the Australian lost his cool when leading 5-4 and attempting to break for the set.
Kyrgios was on set point when he felt Carbellas Baena’s second serve landed out.
“Bro you are taking the fucking p**s bro, it was this far out,” Kyrgios fumed at the umpire.
“It couldn’t be further out, what are you doing? Was that not out second serve?”
Kyrgios was handed a code violation and warned by the umpire.
But then he began insulting the official when he said: “You’re a nutter.”
“And your hat looks ridiculous. Why are you wearing that it’s not even sunny? Don’t talk to me. I’m not going to put in 100 per cent if there are guys rigging the game.”
The official then stepped in to warn Kyrgios again.
“Be careful what you say Nick,” the umpire said.
But Kyrgios continued: “You’re taking the p**s, honestly taking the p**s. No wonder why I don’t try. It’s a double fault I don’t get it. Absolute joke.”
During the tiebreak later in the first set, which Kyrgios won, he raged: “I’m locked in a tiebreak at 3-all when the set was doing 15 mins ago.”
Kyrgios continued his antics in the second set, much to the delight of the crowd.
The 23-year-old exaggerated groans and began shouting “let” after every ace he delivered, a clear dig at the officials.
He broke in the fifth to grab full control of the tie but then messed about in his final game, standing on the service line to return.
Kyrgios’ quality ultimately shone through as he wrapped up a 7-6(4), 6-3 victory.
But he must return later this evening to take on Felix Auger-Aliassime in the second round.
Auger-Aliassime overcame former world No 3 Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets earlier in the day.
The Canadian is due to meet Kyrgios at 5pm on Court 1.
Heavy rainfall earlier this week has caused a major fixture backlog and some players are being made to play twice in one day.
