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Nick Kyrgios' girlfriend caught in ugly controversy at US Open

Nick Kyrgios and girlfriend Costeen Hatzi, pictured here at the US Open.
Nick Kyrgios had a few of his trademark rants at his box - which included girlfriend Costeen Hatzi. Image: Getty

Nick Kyrgios has come under fire from commentators during his second-round clash with Benjamin Bonzi at the US Open after a number of fiery blow-ups at his box.

The Aussie star raced out to a two-set lead on Wednesday in New York after claiming the first two sets 7-6 (3) 6-4.

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However things didn't exactly go to plan after that as Bonzi bounced back to claim the third set 6-4.

Kyrgios grew increasingly frustrated as Bonzi fought his way back into the match, ranting at his player's box in trademark fashion.

The Aussie star is well-known for blowing up at his entourage during matches and did so again on Wednesday.

The combustible Canberran accused his support network "for some sick reason" of falling asleep late in the third set, demanding they be more vocal.

He received a code violation for an audible obscenity before also appearing to spit on the court in their direction.

“Go home if you’re not going to f***ing support me bro,” he shouted towards his box, which included girlfriend Costeen Hatzi.

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

Nick Kyrgios, pictured here in action against Benjamin Bonzi at the US Open.
Nick Kyrgios in action against Benjamin Bonzi at the US Open. (Photo by Diego Souto/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) (Quality Sport Images via Getty Images)

“That was during the changeover from Nick and 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."

Kyrgios' brother Christos has previously revealed how he uses the rants towards his entourage to pump himself up.

"That’s how he plays, that’s how he gets himself up,” Christos said 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’.”

Nick Kyrgios fumes over 'marijuana smoke'

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

“It was f***ing marijuana,” he said when the umpire suggested it was a smell coming from the kitchens.

“It was smoke. Obviously I’m not going to complain about food.

“Obviously when athletes are running side to side and they have asthma, it’s probably not ideal.”

The chair umpire then announced to the crowd: “Ladies and gentlemen as a courtesy to the players please refrain yourselves from smoking around the court. Thank you."

Woodbridge commented: “Nick has asked the umpire to remind the crowd about smoking saying he thinks he can smell someone smoking marijuana, never without drama are we?”

Despite the dramas, Kyrgios managed to maintain his cool long enough to record a 7-6 (3) 6-4 4-6 6-4 victory over his French opponent.

Kyrgios grabbed the decisive break while leading 5-4 in the third set to claim the match and advance to the third round.

He next plays American wildcard JJ Wolf on Friday for a spot in the second week in New York for the first time.

with AAP

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