Earning a seeding at the French Open has become an even tougher task for Nick Kyrgios after his start to the claycourt season ended in a drama-filled, straight-set defeat to Jan-Lennard Stuff at the Madrid Open.
Kyrgios bowed out of the tournament showered in boos from the home crowd after he again whipped out his underarm tactics, once trying to catch Struff off guard before faking the controversial serve on another attempt.
It doesn't always work 😏@NickKyrgios #MMOpen pic.twitter.com/bv3XOeUPDD
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 5, 2019
It doesn't always work 😏@NickKyrgios #MMOpen pic.twitter.com/bv3XOeUPDD
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 5, 2019
The Australian won just three points on his opponent's serve in the first set and unforced errors helped Struff break Kyrgios twice in the second, resulting in a 6-7 (4-7) 4-6 defeat.
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The frustration kicked in early with Kyrgios breaking his racquet after Struff won a point to serve for the first set.
He attracted criticism for pulling out his phone on court after the match was completed, smiling as he sent out text messages.
Cringeworthy performance from Kyrgios that as soon as he loses rushes to send a text on the phone and smiles... 1 hour and 5 minutes ... and off we go
— Tennistonic (@tennistonic) May 5, 2019
He went on court only with 2 rackets and a small bag
It seems he is in #Madrid for the #icecream #whatsthepoint ? pic.twitter.com/3wWwvCGFtx
But the negative attention didn't seem to faze him, responding to his critics on Twitter.
Unfortunately sport is entertainment. https://t.co/m0fZrti0wo
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) May 5, 2019
The world number 34 now needs to deliver results in Rome to break into the top 32 at the French Open which kicks off on May 32.
