A huffing and puffing Nick Kyrgios has taken aim at US Open officials for not having a heat rule in place for the men's draw as a heatwave lashes New York.
The Australian won through to the second round at Flushing Meadows with a 7-5 2-6 6-4 6-2 win against Moldova's Radu Albot.
However, on a day burnt by temperatures of nearly 40 degrees, with humidity at an uncomfortable high, Kyrgios and Albot sweltered through the tough conditions.
The day featured an extraordinary six mid-match retirements in the men’s draw as tournament referee Brian Earley offered Kyrgios and Albot a 10-minute break after the third set.
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Complaining during the match, Kyrgios made his intentions clear with regards to the heat rule - or lack thereof.
"I’m f***ed, my legs are f***ed. I’m cooked, I’m f***ing done. I can’t play," Kyrgios said as he winced towards his courtside box during the second set.
Having won through to a second-round match-up with Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert, Kyrgios later had a crack at the United States Tennis Association (USTA).
"The heat can become dangerous at times," Kyrgios said after the match.
"I don’t think we had a heat rule. We made one up today, right?
"That’s just ridiculous. Honestly, I think we should have a heat rule. "It’s not healthy for players to be out there and getting dizzy and stuff. We’re the ones playing.
"It’s not only players. The ball kids out there... and the spectators aren’t going to watch if it’s that hot."
