Never one to shy away from telling the world what he thinks, Nick Kyrgios has labelled the ATP "corrupt" before engaging in an argument with a journalist following his first-round US Open win over American Steve Johnson.
Kyrgios was levels above Johnson, winning through to the second round with a 6-3 7-6(1) 6-4 victory.
The match was Kyrgios' first since his epic meltdown at the Cincinnati Masters two weeks ago.
Fiery even by his standards, Kyrgios called chair umpire Fergus Murphy a "f***ing tool" and smashed two racquets in the first round capitulation opposite Karen Kachanov.
MORE: Kyrgios wins wild US Open match
The ATP hit the Australian world number 30 with huge fines amounting to (AU) $167,000.
Many pundits felt Kyrgios deserved to be suspended as well, with some commentators saying he needs professional mental health advice.
Asked about the fine following his impressive straight sets win over Johnson in New York, Kyrgios was blunt.
"The ATP is pretty corrupt anyway," he said.
"I'm not fussed about it at all."
Kyrgios then had a back and forth with a journalist at his post-match presser while his agent and an ATP media official attempted to shut it down.
"I was fined 113k for what?" Kyrgios asked.
"Why are we talking about something that happened three weeks ago when I just chopped up someone first round of a US Open."
Kyrgios then tried to turn the question back on the reporter, asking him if he'd ever sworn at anyone before.
“I am just asking a question," he said.
"Have you? Have you ever sworn at someone before?
The journo said he had sworn, with Kyrgios having the final word.
“You are also not an elite athlete," he said.
"Just answer my question. Have you ever sworn at someone before?”
The move is sure to provoke a strong response from the ATP.
More to come...
