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Members of Nick Kyrgios’ players box – which includes his girlfriend Costeen Hatzi – have been urged to “get up and walk out” if the fiery Aussie continues his US Open antics.
During his match against world No.50 Benjamin Bonzi in which he prevailed 7-6(3), 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 to setup a clash with American wildcard JJ Wolf, Kyrgios repeatedly berated his box – at one point even telling them to “go home if you’re not going to f—ing support me” – when he felt they weren’t supporting him appropriately.
It has become somewhat of a habit since his Wimbledon final loss against Novak Djokovic. Kyrgios has previously said he needs his box to be fanatical, particularly in big moments during matches.
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But it’s a behaviour Todd Woodbridge has dismissed as “not helpful” and “not healthy”.
“The people that are sitting in his player’s box have to take some action – that action should probably be standing up and walking out,” Woodbridge said on commentary for Channel Nine.
“They’ve got nothing to do with what goes on the court. It’s up to Nick to make the shots and hit the plays.”
In his box against Bonzi was Hatzi, his physio and another friend.
Woodbridge believes Kyrgios will “go deep” if he can keep his focus.
The Australian was forced to dig deep on Louis Armstrong Stadium, as Bonzi took the fight to the 23rd seed.
“I was literally hanging by a thread. His level today was incredible. I was not expecting an absolute war,” Kyrgios said.
“It could have gone either way early in the fourth but I got there. I played some really risky tennis late in that fourth set to win.
“I’m just really happy to get through. It’s been really stressful time I have high expectations to go deep this week. I’m just glad I got through.
“I felt like he was eating up my serves with his returns. To serve 30 aces helps a lot. When my serve’s going my game follows.”
As has become commonplace, Kyrgios had a run-in with those seated in his box, at one point telling them to “go home.”
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At one point, umpire Jaume Campistol had to ask fans to “please refrain from smoking around the court” after Kyrgios complained about the smell of marjiuana wafting around the arena.
“Obviously when athletes are running side to side and they have asthma already, it’s obviously not ideal,” Kyrgios said.
“Obviously I’m not going to complain about food smell. It was f—ing marijuana.”
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