Nick Kyrgios has responded to disgruntled tennis fans by claiming that he 'does not owe them anything'.
The Australian player put in a lacklustre effort in his straight-sets defeat to world 110 Mischa Zverev in the second round of the Shanghai Masters today.
Kyrgios headed into the tournament fresh from winning the Japan Open, but he appeared disinterested in Shanghai as he hit soft serves and at one point walked back to his chair without waiting for the return.
The 21-year-old's performance attracted a smattering of boos from the crowd, with one man shouting, "Respect the game," to which Kyrgios replied, "You want to come and play?"
In the post-match press conference, when asked about the fans' negative reaction, Kyrgios said: "What does that even mean? I'm good at hitting a tennis ball at the net. Big deal. I don't owe them anything. If you don't like it, I didn't ask you to come watch. Just leave."
Later on Twitter, Kyrgios wrote: "Not good enough today on many levels, I'm better than that. I can go on about excuses but there are none. Sorry #StillAWorkInProgress."
Kyrgios has previously reached the quarter-finals of the Australian Open and Wimbledon.
Danielle Joynson
