Dylan Bettencourt
The ever-entertaining Nick Kyrgios was at it once again on Wednesday when he complained of a fan in the US Open crowd smoking marijuana.
The Wimbledon finalist defeated Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi 7-6 (7-3) 6-4 4-6 6-4 to advance to the third round of the Grand Slam.
Kyrgios, who has been in fine form since his Wimbledon loss to Novak Djokovic, felt the marijuana stench may increase his asthma side-effects.
“People don’t know I’m a heavy asthmatic,” said Kyrgios after the match.
“When I’m running side to side, I’m struggling to breathe. Marijuana is probably something I don’t want to be breathing in between points.”
After a debate, with the umpire, the match official asked the crowd to refrain from smoking in the venue.
Despite genuine concern of the smoke affecting his performance, Kyrgios swore several times during the match and received a warning in the third set.
The Australian admitted after his victory that the expectations have played a part in his game following his exploits in London.
“I’m just happy to get through. It’s been a stressful time. Me and my team have big expectations. Every tournament I play I’m expected to play amazing tennis,” he said.
“I’d rather have that pressure and expectation to go far. I feel I’m playing some of the best tennis of my life.”
The 27-year-old continued to showcase his talent with a variety of baseline shots and cheeky drop shots to take control of the encounter.
Kyrgios also took issue with members of the crowd leaving the venue during play which distracted him.
Kyrgios has moved on to the next round in search of his first Grand Slam victory.
Image source: @TennisBuzz
