Nick Kyrgios has caused a stir among tennis fans following the thrilling five-set win over Andreas Seppi that saw him move into the Australian Open quarter-finals.
The 19-year-old staged a thrilling comeback from two sets down to see off his Italian opponent and become the first Australian to reach the last eight at Melbourne Park since Lleyton Hewitt a decade ago.
After his victory, Kyrgios was at pains to praise the vocal backing he enjoyed at a packed Hisense Arena, but not all tennis fans were as supportive after they witnessed several flashpoints during the three-and-a-half hour match.
At one point during the second set, which Kyrgios dropped to go two sets to love down, he slammed his racquet into the ground and in the crucial fourth, he was heard to shout “Get off your fucking phone, mate” in the direction of one spectator.
In the fifth, he responded to a member of the crowd who shouted out as he was about to serve with, “Are you right, mate?”. He also reacted to three fans who tried to leave the stadium early by saying, “Oi, where are you going?”.
The internet was quick to react.
I must be the only one who is not on the Kyrgios bandwagon. There's no excuse for swearing at a spectator, especially in front of kids.
— Chloe Bell (@Chlobizzle) January 25, 2015
#Kyrgios embarrassing our country on the eve of our national day. Show some dignity & respect. No one is proud of your attitude #ausopen
— Em (@applaudlife) January 25, 2015
I know there’s a lot of pressure but screaming at the ball boys / girls for your towel isn’t cool #AusOpen #Kyrgios
— Glen (@Waverley73) January 25, 2015
At the same time, there was also high praise for Kyrgios as he became the youngest quarter-finalist at the Australian Open in 24 years and underlined his potential as a top-10 player, and even a future grand slam winner.
For many, his outbursts were understandable given his youth, and the interaction with the crowd was seen in some quarters to enhance the entertainment being served up.
Tennis needs a rock star - can't wait for many more nights like tonight for the next decade #Kyrgios
— Mitchell Scott (@WhippingBoySEN) January 25, 2015
@cam_tomarchio @newscomauHQ let those who've never sworn, got frustrated or lacked self control B the 1st to condemm #Kyrgios @NickKyrgios
— Tony Arch (@pricelessrogue) January 26, 2015
Kyrgios himself said he enjoyed the atmosphere and labelled the victory as the best in his career to date. The Canberran rose to prominence after defeating Rafael Nadal at last year’s Wimbledon, but believes his latest victory ranks even higher in his burgeoning collection of big-name scalps.
“I think this one, it feels a bit better, honestly,” he said. “There was a lot of expectation coming into this tournament. I was obviously out for a couple weeks before Sydney. I wasn’t expecting, you know, anything, especially not quarter-finals.
“It’s just massive, especially to do it in front of your home crowd. Hisense is an unbelievable court. I’d never played on it before. It’s definitely my favourite court now.”
He now meets Andy Murray on Tuesday night for a place in the semi-finals.