The foul tempered outburst from Nick Kyrgios after his quarter-final defeat against Karen Khachanov has cost the Australian £12,000 ($14k), the biggest fine so far handed out at the US Open.
In his quarter-final singles match, Kyrgios had a rant at his box resulting in a warning for unsportsmanlike conduct. He also threw a water bottle in anger and that was followed by a post-match outburst which saw him smash two rackets on the floor - resulting in the £12,000 fine.
However, for reaching the US Open quarter-final stage in the singles and fourth round in the doubles, the Australian won prize money totalling £411,200 ($473,200).
This season Kyrgios has enjoyed the best run of form in his career, winning the Citi Open in both singles and doubles while also reaching the Wimbledon final - his first Grand Slam final.
However, the 27-year-old was left devastated by his quarter-final US Open defeat as his search for a Grand Slam victory goes into 2023 when the Australian Open is his next opportunity.
"I honestly feel like s**t, I feel like I've let so many people down," he said.
"I feel like these four tournaments are the only ones that ever are going to matter. It's just like you've got to start it all again. I have to wait until the Australian Open. It's just devastating, it's heart-breaking. Not just for me, but for everyone that I know that wants me to win."
Seven-time Grand Slam winner and tennis icon John McEnroe was renowned for his court rants but has been a vocal critic of Kyrgios.
Talking before the US Open to the Los Angeles Times, he claimed the Australian's antics were 'not good for the game'. He said: “Almost all athletes have that fear of failure, and the question is not whether or not you have that.
"It’s how you handle it. Can you go out there and consistently give the effort that’s expected of a professional athlete who’s getting rewarded handsomely for their services?
"I feel too often Nick just mails it in. And that’s just not good for him or good for the sport.”
