After receiving a chorus of unfair boos for seeking a legitimate medical timeout after grazing his hand, the crowd continued their unwarranted attack on Nick Kyrgios - but this time the Australian bit back.
In the opening game of his quarter-final against Stan Wawrinka, the much-maligned 23-year-old was jeered for having treatment on his hand as the Mexico Open crowd accused him of faking an injury.
It triggered this expletive-laden response from a bemused Kyrgios: "What is f***ing wrong with these f***ing people. There's blood all over my hand, what the f*** do you want me to do? This is f***ing insane."
MORE: Nick Kyrgios rips into distasteful Mexican Open crowd after unjustified booing
While his comments lacked class and professionalism, his argument had merit.
And he made a fairly strong point in his second debate with umpire Damian Steiner.
Showing plenty of emotion with the second set locked at 5-5 in a critical juncture of the match, Kyrgios was again hammered by the crowd for his roaring celebrations following every point he claimed.
Just a game before, however, Wawrinka was displaying the same energy and his supporters were lapping it up.
While most of their heated exchange was inaudible, it appeared Steiner advised Kyrgios to tone it down and act in a more civil manner.
Kyrgios was livid that double standards were being exercised for different players - and the commentators were even on his side.
''Don't ever say that to me again - mate, that's bullshit,'' Kyrgios warned the umpire.
''I've got Rafa yesterday slowing me down before serve, he's pumping up the crowd. Don't talk to me like that. It's bullshit.
''So am I. I'm pumping up the crowd. That's fine. Get out of here.''
His strained relationship with the crowd didn't improve as the match went on, with one fan verbally directing abuse at Kyrgios while he stretched his quad in-between points.
''F*** you, man,'' Kyrgios replied.
Kyrgios' team were spotted on camera telling him to keep a lock on his emotions and focus on his tennis as his mental strength was once again tested.
The Australian put aside the drama to edge out Wawrinka, reaching the Mexico Open semi-final with a 7-5 6-7 6-4 victory.
