Mirka Federer caught jeering Kyrgios in fiery clash
TV cameras appeared to catch Roger Federer's wife joining in as the crowd jeered Nick Kyrgios during a tense Miami Open semi-final clash.
The pro-Federer crowd turned on Kyrgios during the thrilling three-set encounter, booing and jeering the young Aussie on multiple occasions.
The acrimony started when Kyrgios threw a racquet during the first set, and although he didn't even receive a warning the crowd was not impressed.
DISGRACEFUL: Miami crowd criticised for treatment of Kyrgios
ALL CLASS: Federer hits back at Kyrgios critics
Those in attendance then too exception to Kyrgios changing his racquet mid-game during the second set, again jeering the Aussie.
The ESPN telecast shot to Mirka sitting in Federer's box, catching her joining in the jeering by whistling.
Just watched it back and it does look like Mirka might've been one of the spectators whistling jeeringly at Kyrgios' mid-game racket change? pic.twitter.com/HXxFGbwtdr
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) April 1, 2017
Many took to social media to condemn Mrs Federer:
Horrible sportsmanship from Mirka Federer. If others did this there would be uproar. Wawrinka knows it. #MiamiOpen #Kyrgios https://t.co/evfFEzMO11
— Pete Skaf (@peteskaf) April 1, 2017
This @NickKyrgios vs @rogerfederer match is brilliant entertainment. Crowd cheering against Kyrgios (including Mirka Fed whistling at him!)
— Nathan Templeton (@nathantemp7) April 1, 2017
Surprising that Mirka didn't whistle at her husband over those medical timeouts Down Under. #hypocrite#Vamos, #Nadal
— Andrew Prochnow (@AndrewProchnow) April 1, 2017
What a disgrace! @federer_roger should be embarrassed. Go buy another disgusting designer jumper Mirka & stay away @NickKyrgios #MiamiOpen https://t.co/8z26JjpEk1
— Lisa Auciello (@lisaauc) April 1, 2017
Federer went on to win in three sets, setting up a mouth-watering clash with Rafa Nadal in the final.
However the antics of spectators took most of the attention away from what was a classic encounter:
Kyrgios will have to deal with booing (and yes he's brought some of it on himself) But that was poor from Miami crowd. They saw a great show
— Nathan Templeton (@nathantemp7) April 1, 2017
@hbryant42 Well, it IS Florida, Howard.
Agree Miami crowd lost perspective of a more mature (still growing) Kyrgios and an epic, FAB match.— Charlie (@charolyn_) April 1, 2017
If @NickKyrgios wants motivation for the #DavisCup round against the US just remember the ignorant Miami crowd and stick it up 'em! #Kyrgios
— Paul Walsh (@sportpaul) April 1, 2017
Even the most intense Fed fans on my timeline are disgusted by the Miami crowd
— Nick Nemeroff (@NNemeroff) April 1, 2017
That match was the best match of the year by 50 miles. Miami crowd the worst crowd of the year by 50 miles.
— Nick Nemeroff (@NNemeroff) April 1, 2017
I'm sorry, in the Kyrgios v Federer match, the Miami crowd has been absolutely atrocious, despicable even. Not done! 🙄 #MiamiOpen
— Virat Nehru (@6thrat) April 1, 2017
A great match but the Miami crowd did not deserve to witness it, intent to interrupt points on purpose has made them a disgrace #MiamiOpen
— Chris Stevens (@TheLadfromAus) April 1, 2017