Nick Kyrgios disqualified from Italian Open after insane meltdown

Nick Kyrgios is facing suspension and a heavy fine following the tantrum that led to his default from the Italian Open on Thursday.

Just hours after an explosive interview with the No Challenges Remaining podcast, where he ripped into Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Fernando Verdasco, Australian Kyrgios stormed out of his second-round clash with Caspar Rudd after hurling a chair on to the court.

The Norwegian qualifier was leading 6-3 6-7 (7-5) 2-1 at the time and Kyrgios, frustrated at losing a point on serve, received a warning for ball abuse.

He then took exception to some movement in the stands during a rally and made his feelings known to the crowd and was docked a point for unsportsmanlike conduct and then penalised the game for the same offence.

Furious at the decision, Kyrgios booted a water bottle and then stunned spectators by picking up a fold-up wooden chair and hurling it across the court.

“I’m f***ing done,” he could be heard saying.

The tournament referee then came out onto court and defaulted the Aussie, who picked up his bag and stormed off, although he did shake hands with Ruud and the chair umpire.

“Very eventful day to say the least,” Kyrgios wrote on Instagram later.

“Emotions got the better of me and I just wanted to say that the atmosphere was crazy out there today, just super unfortunate that it had to end in a default. Sorry Roma, see you again, maybe.”

The match was subsequently awarded to the world No.76, who’ll now face Juan Martin del Potro for a place in the quarter-finals.

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Serial offender Kyrgios, who has a history of bad behaviour, was suspended by the ATP Tour in 2016 for tanking in a match against Mischa Zverev and insulting fans during a loss at the Shanghai Masters.

The ATP have confirmed Kyrgios will lose $33,635 in prize money from the tournament in addition to 45 ATP points, and said there’s likely be further punishment pending an investigation.

In 2015, Kyrgios insulted Stan Wawrinka with crude remarks during a match in Montreal.

He was fined $US12,500 and given a suspended 28-day ban.

He also attracted criticism for deciding not to play at the 2016 Olympics because of a spat with chef de mission Kitty Chiller.