Not even playing alongside Wimbledon royalty in the mixed doubles could prevent Nick Kyrgios from getting a code violation for swearing.
The hot-headed Australian, whose singles matches so far have been peppered with various rants and raves, had been on his best behaviour for the majority of his partnership with five-time singles champion Venus Williams, against Austin Krajicek and Sabrina Santamaria.
But in the deciding set, when Kyrgios felt hard done by at being denied a challenge and Williams’ serve was promptly broken, the familiar expletives came out towards the umpire’s chair.
All smiles on No.2 Court😀#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/1ZGTq6oxQ5 — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 2, 2021
Williams, 41, looked as if she was trying not to laugh at the outburst, which did not detract from an otherwise good-natured and hugely-entertaining match on a sun-drenched Court Two.
Kyrgios and Williams won 6-3 3-6 7-5 and received a standing ovation from a delighted crowd.
Kyrgios said: “We’re very different. I think she’s quite timid and very quiet. I’m a bit, you know, bashful and loud, and talkative. At least we made it work.
“We came through, we were down a break, and that’s when, you know, the umpire kind of revved me up a little bit. I was very frustrated.
“I thought we would be hard done by that decision, so that’s when I kind of put it into fifth gear and really tried to push us over the line.”
Come on, @NickKyrgios… 😂 🎥: @Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/JOQy2TES1d — ATP Tour (@atptour) July 2, 2021
Kyrgios faces Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime in the singles third round on Saturday.
He added: “I’ve got half a day to prepare, recover. And, you know, tactically I’m going to do the same things – I’m going to serve big and play big. If it’s enough, it’s enough. If not, too good.
“It’s going to be a good match. I’ve got nothing but respect for him. He’s a hell of a player. He’ll be a grand slam champion one day I’m sure and he’s going to do some special things.”
