Tennis Bad Boy Nick Kyrgios Slams Racquet and Trades Barbs With John McEnroe at Aussie Open

We’ve previously chronicled the exploits of the man widely considered to be tennis’s bad boy, 21-year-old Nick Kyrgios. Last year, he completely quit on a match in Shanghai. He also once told rival player Stan Wawrinka (on a hot mic in the middle of a match) that another player was romantically involved with Wawrinka’s girlfriend.

On Wednesday, Kyrgios was at it again during his second round match at the year’s first major, the Australian Open. During a changeover, Kyrgios smashed his racquet on the court. He also screamed obscenities.

And then, at one point in the match, he was accused by several tennis analysts of giving less than his best effort once again.

“He doesn’t look interested in trying to break serve here.” said analyst Jim Courier on the Australian broadcast.

In terms of his on-court demeanor, when he yells at chair umpires and throws tantrums, Kyrgios is, in a sense, John McEnroe 2.0. But John McEnroe 1.0 made it clear, in the strongest terms, that he does not condone Kyrgios quitting on points or matches.

McEnroe on Kyrgios: 'What I don't understand, what I can't accept, is when he stops trying. It's a black eye for the sport.' #AusOpen

— Oliver Brown (@oliverbrown_tel) January 18, 2017

McEnroe’s comment was relayed to Kyrgios in the post-match news conference.

“Good on him, good on him,” Kyrgios said simply, according to ESPN.

Then, after a follow-up question about a knee injury, Kyrgios took a shot at the tennis legend.

Q to Nick: Is your knee a lot of sharp pain?

Kyrgios: i don't know ask McEnroe he knows everything

— Emily Benammar (@EmilyBenammar) January 18, 2017

Watch above, via Australian network Nine Perth.

[featured image via screengrab]

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