NICK KYRGIOS let rip in the commentary box as Novak Djokovic was given a time violation at the Australian Open.
Aussie Kyrgios, 28, is sitting out of his home Grand Slam due to injury.
EurosportNovak Djokovic got a time violation warning for taking too long to serve[/caption]
EurosportNick Kyrgios slammed the umpires for trying to get attention[/caption]
That has seen him snapped up by Eurosport as a commentator and pundit – working alongside the likes of Laura Robson and new host Rachel Stringer.
And he was not afraid to blast an umpire for stepping in and giving Djokovic the warning during his third-round match against Andy Murray’s conqueror Tomas Martin Etcheverry.
World No1 Djokovic – aiming to win a record 11th Australian Open title and 25th major overall – got his ticking off when serving early in the third set.
While bouncing the ball, the 25-second shot clock hit zero.
And the umpire, rightly, stepped in and announced a time violation for Djokovic – who was clearly annoyed by the untimely call.
Kyrgios, meanwhile, also expressed his frustration.
The straight-talking star audibly groaned on the mic and then fumed: “Not necessary. It’s ridiculous, just ridiculousness.
“It’s like they get bored and just want to say something instead of the score. Ridiculous.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
“Completely ruins the flow of the match.”
After Djokovic, 36, did take his serve, Nick Lester on commentary with Kyrgios added: “It didn’t put Djokovic off his stride.”
And Kyrgios, leaning back in his chair in the booth, replied: “No it gave him more time to compose himself.”
However, fans on social media were split over the controversial piece of refereeing – and the response from Kyrgios.
One said: “How isn’t it necessary? It’s 25 seconds, you take longer you get a warning. Ridiculous reaction from Djokovic.”
Another wrote: “Oh yeah, I forgot. Rules don’t apply to Djokovic…”
And a third added: “Fully deserved. Watching him is so frustrating. How many times do you need to bounce the ball???!!”
But a fourth replied: “If anyone is going to call the umpires out, it’s Kyrgios.”
And a final user commented: “Love Nick.”
KYR TO STAY
Later on in the Eurosport Cube, Tim Henman and Mats Wilander joked with Stringer about Kyrgios’ relaxed demeanour.
Henman joked: “Is Nick looking a little bit too comfortable in the commentary box? We don’t want him to be there forever. We want to see him back on court but he’s doing a great job.”
Stringer quipped back: “It means he feels like he’s at home now which I like to see. He’s very much part of the team isn’t he?”
Kyrgios and Djokovic were enemies for many years on the tennis circuit.
However, they put their differences and spats aside following their 2022 Wimbledon final – which Djokovic won.
Since then, their rivalry has seemingly blossomed into a genuine friendship.
And the Aussie even joked he’s got Djokovic’s “back 100 per cent bro” and he was willing to do WWE on any more fans who heckle him during matches following an incident in the second round.
Then on match point against Etcheverry, a fan shouted out: “Get vaccinated mate,” in reference to Djokovic’s refusal to take the Covid-19 jab.
The Serbian responded in emphatic style with an ace to wrap up yet another Australian Open victory – his 31st in a row stretching back to 2019.
Djokovic will play 20th seed Adrian Mannarino in round four on Sunday – presumably after visiting his beloved tree in the Botanic Gardens after confessing to being in a secret 15-year relationship with the special sapling.
EurosportDjokovic was preparing to serve early in the third set[/caption]
EurosportPlayers get 25 seconds between points[/caption]
AlamyDjokovic prevailed 6-3 6-3 7-6 to reach round four[/caption]