Kyrgios kicks off! Tennis brat hurls his racquet across the court after losing to German Philipp Kohlschreiber at Indian Wells
- Just a week after winning the Mexican Open, Nick Kyrgios lost at Indian Wells
- The world number 33 was expected to beat German Philipp Kohlschreiber
- Kyrgios smashed a racquet and hurled his shoes into the crowd in his defeat
Tennis brat Nick Kyrgios was up to his old tricks at Indian Wells, smashing his racquet on court and hurling his shoes mid-match into the crowd.
Just a week after winning the Mexico Open where he outclassed a series of top 10 opponents en route to winning his fifth career title, Kyrgios showed his dark side in California on Sunday.
The polarising Australian star lost his cool — and some items of clothing — as he was beaten by German Philipp Kohlschreiber in straight sets in the first round.
Nick Kyrgios (pictured) lets frustration get the better of him during his defeat to German Philipp Kohlschreiber in straight sets at Indian Wells
Nick Kyrgios (pictured) also hurled his shoes into the crowd after losing the first set
Kyrgios’ damaged racquet after losing a key point to German Philipp Kohlschreiber at Indian Wells on Sunday
Kohlschreiber’s triumph denied fans a next round meeting between Kyrgios and world number one Novak Djokovic.
Kyrgios, 23, displayed his undoubted potential in Mexico, beating Rafael Nadal, John Isner, Stan Wawrinka and Alexander Zverev – but he was unable to repeat the dose against the German.
Regularly touted as ‘potentially’ good enough to win a grand slam, Kyrgios needs to work on his fitness to take his game to another level, according to American tennis legend Jim Courier.
‘If we expect this guy to win majors now, I think that’s a bridge too far unless he addresses the physical gap between him and the other guys,’ Courier said on the Tennis Channel.
‘From a talent, shot-making show point, he showed there is no gap after how he played in Mexico.
‘He’s dangerous but he’s also dangerous to himself at times.’
Kyrgios jumped to 33rd in the world following his impressive Acapulco win last week – but was unable to give his ranking a further boost at Indian Wells.
Nick Kyrgios (pictured left) congratulates Philipp Kohlschreiber after the German won their match at Indian Wells
Nick Kyrgios’ talent is obvious – he just needs to mature mentally and work harder to realise his potential