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Nick Kyrgios hit with $11,000 fine over 'terrible' act at US Open

Nick Kyrgios, pictured here in action at the US Open.
Nick Kyrgios swore and spat towards his player's box at the US Open. Image: Getty/Eurosport

Nick Kyrgios has been hit with a US$7500 fine (AU$11,000) for unsportsmanlike conduct after swearing and spitting on the court at the US Open on Wednesday.

The Aussie star advanced to the third round in New York with a 7-6 (7-3) 6-4 4-6 6-4 victory over Benjamin Bonzi.

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However Kyrgios cut a frustrated figure as Bonzi fought his way back into the match and launched an explosive tirade at his player's box in the third set.

The Aussie could be seen spitting towards his entourage - which included girlfriend Costeen Hatzi - before yelling: “Go home if you’re not going to f***ing support me."

US Open officials announced on Thursday that Kyrgios had been fined $7500 for his actions - the largest fine handed out at the grand slam so far.

One commentator said on Eurosport at the time: "That is terrible behaviour from Kyrgios. I'm a big fan but that was...Sometimes he just goes one step too far."

Speaking in commentary for Channel Nine, Aussie greats Todd Woodbridge and Jelena Dokic were also critical of Kyrgios' actions.

“We all know it’s a waste of time being like that,” Woodbridge said.

“The people that are sitting in his player’s box have to take some action. That action should probably be standing up and walking out.

"They’ve got nothing to do with what goes on the court. It’s up to Nick to make the shots and hit the plays.”

Dokic added: “It’s a long time to keep talking and a lot of energy to waste."

Nick Kyrgios, pictured here in action during his match against Benjamin Bonzi at the US Open.
Nick Kyrgios in action during his match against Benjamin Bonzi at the US Open. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)

Nick Kyrgios' brother lifts the lid on his rants

Kyrgios' brother Christos previously revealed what it's like to be in his box during matches, saying Nick uses the rants towards his entourage to pump himself up.

"That’s how he plays, that’s how he gets himself up,” Christos told Channel Nine during Wimbledon earlier this year.

“He tries to increase his intensity and whatever else and that’s how he does it, and that’s what we know from him.

“You need a pressure valve, right? And the pressure valve for him is, ‘Look, these people love me, I’m not saying anything to offend or to abuse them, but I just need to release some of that pressure, deflect a bit of that pressure so I can get back down to focusing on what I’m doing’.

“We have said to him many times, ‘If you need to, if that help you in that moment, if it helps you deal with the adversity and the pressure, throw some our way. We’re not going anywhere. We are here for you, if it makes it easier for you’.”

Kyrgios' mother Nill said cheekily: “You don’t want to be in his box. You really don’t, because you really don’t know when to stand and when to clap and when to shout.

“We have been there, and it is not a good experience.”

There were also strange scenes earlier in the match on Wednesday when Kyrgios complained to the chair umpire that he could smell marijuana coming from the crowd.

He next plays American wildcard JJ Wolf on Friday for a spot in the second week at the US Open for the first time.

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