Nick Kyrgios during his Australian Open second-round clash earlier this year. (Getty Images)
Nick Kyrgios reignited his ongoing feud with Rafael Nadal after taking the mickey out of the World No.1 during his Australian Open second-round match against Gilles Simon on Thursday.
The incident occurred during an on-court argument with umpire Jaume Campistol after the Australian was given a code violation warning from out of the blue for time-wasting while serving in the second set.
Seeded 23rd, Kyrgios was leading the first set and was serving when the umpire issued the warning for taking too long.
This left the Australian a frustrated figure who later complained that he was already in his service action when the 20-second service clock expired.
When the referee refused to see his point, a visibly disappointed Kyrgios went on to argue that he was given unfair treatment when players like Nadal, who is known for his longwinded service action, are given more time.
To prove his point, Kyrgios mimicked Nadal’s iconic service action by pretending to push the hair back on both sides of his face and then proceeded to pretend to pick out a wedgie.
Though his gesture brought a smile upon the umpire’s face, his code-violation remained in place. Many from the tennis world which includes commentators and fans have interpreted Kyrgios action as a sly dig at Nadal – with the two of them set for a potential fourth-round clash.
This is not something new as both the players have traded barbs at each other since their heated clash in Mexico last year.
Back then Nadal had voiced his opinion on Kyrgios, stating that the Australian lacked respect for tennis as a result of his use of underarm serves during matches.
Despite all the drama, Kyrgios sailed into the next round overcoming Simon 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 7-5.
Many fans also had their say on the Australian’s antics, and here are a few reactions from Twitter:
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