Nick Kyrgios risks a heavy fine after going into a sulk and appearing to stop trying during his Wimbledon fourth-round match against Richard Gasquet.
The 20-year-old Australian downed tools early in the second set of the clash on Court Two, where he also was given a ticking off for swearing and rowed with British umpire James Keothavong over a change of socks.
It was the code violation for an "audible obscenity" that seemed to spark the petulance from Kyrgios, who was a break down when Keothavong warned him over his coarse language.
Kyrgios was booed by hundreds of fans who rightly felt short-changed by his lack of effort, and it barely improved as he gave up the second set in just 24 minutes.
From 5-5 in what was an absorbing opening set, Gasquet was given a helping hand as he extended his run of games to seven in succession before Kyrgios stopped the rot.
His childish attitude, though, could bring with it a cost.
International Tennis Federation rules state: "A player shall use his best efforts to win a match when competing in a grand slam tournament. Violation of this section shall subject a player to a fine up to 20,000 US dollars (£12,860) for each violation."
Additionally, the rules state: " In circumstances that are flagrant and particularly injurious to the success of a tournament, or are singularly egregious, a single violation . shall also constitute the major offence of "aggravated behaviour" and shall be subject to the additional penalties hereinafter set forth therefor."
That allows the ITF to impose a penalty of 250,000 US dollars (£160,000).
Kyrgios trailed 7-5 6-1 6-7 (7/9) after three sets of the dramatic five-set contest, picking up his game for the third and saving two match points in the tie-break. He saved nine when beating Gasquet in the second round last year, and this time Gasquet smashed his racquet at the end of the third set, crunching it into the grass and then smashing it against his chair in frustration.
Source: PA
