Nick Kyrgios hit with $21,000 fine after 'disgraceful' US Open meltdown

Nick Kyrgios has been slapped with a $20,700 fine after his post-match meltdown in his tough quarter-final loss at the US Open.

Kyrgios was knocked-out at Flushing Meadows after a five-set rollercoaster against Russian Karen Khachanov in the quarter-final stage on Tuesday.

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The 27-year-old Aussie lost his temper after the handshake with his opponent and proceeded to smash two racquets.

The Australian was clearly devastated and swiftly exited Arthur Ashe Stadium after leaving the debris scattered across the court.

The ugly scenes were widely condemned amongst tennis fans and commentators.

While Kyrgios admitted he was 'devastated' in the post-match press conference, it didn't save him from a huge fine.

On Wednesday, Kyrgios was slapped with a $AU20,700 fine for unsportsmanlike conduct - the biggest monetary fine handed out at the tournament so far.

It takes Kyrgios' total fines for the tournament to $AU47,000 after he was also pinged for audible obscenities and spitting earlier in the tournament.

However his total fines hardly make a dent in his prize money, having earned $US473,200 ($AU701,700) at the year's final grand slam tournament, where he also reached the doubles third round with countryman Thanasi Kokkinakis.

Kyrgios' post-match antics sparked widespread condemnation.

“That’s not great, that’s not great at all,” Aussie great Todd Woodbridge said in commentary for Channel 9.

American journalist Nigel D'Souza described it as a 'national embarrassment for Australia', while Jude Sannith of CNBC tweeted: “Am I terrible person if I say that I’m really glad Kyrgios did not win?

"That behaviour is disgraceful and has no place in ANY sport. And just the fact that spectators and some pundits romanticise and encourage it, saying 'it’s good for the game' makes it worse.”

Nick Kyrgios admits heartbreak at US Open

Kyrgios fronted the media after his tough five-set loss to Khachanov and was candid in how badly the defeat impacted him.

“I honestly feel like shit. I feel like I’ve let so many people down," he said in his press conference.

“Just came out flat, physically didn’t feeling great. Then I ended up feeling great towards the end of the match.

"I'm obviously devastated. But all credit to Karen. He's a fighter. He's a warrior. I thought he served really good today. Honestly probably the best server I played this tournament, to be honest, the way he was hitting his spots under pressure.

"He just played the big points well. Really wasn't anything in it. I'm just devastated obviously. Just feel like it was either winning it all or nothing at all, to be honest.

"I feel like I've just failed at this event right now. That's what it feels like."

An exhausted Kyrgios has repeatedly mentioned his mental and physical fatigue from a long grass and hardcourt season in 2022.

Kyrgios made the Wimbledon final, before going on to win the Citi Open in Washington.

The Australian has already said he will return home and see his family after the US Open.

with AAP

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