Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has copped a $14,500 fine for spitting at a spectator during his first-round matchup at Wimbledon.
It is the largest fine of 14 given out so far at the tournament, more than double any of the 13 others dished out by organisers.
Kyrgios had pleaded mitigating circumstances believing his pleas to the umpire to have a spectator removed had been ignored.
Footage of the incident shows Kyrgios looking towards the crowd following his victory and spitting in the direction of a crowd member before going over and shaking British wildcard Paul Jubb’s hand.
It was in a clash that saw the Australian call a line judge a ‘snitch’ and complain about spectators who were clapping during the match-up.
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When asked if he spat toward someone in the crowd, he replied: "Of one of the people disrespecting me, yes."
The 27-year-old added: "Yes. I would not be doing that to someone who was supporting me.
"Today, as soon as I won the match, I turned to him...I've been dealing with hate and negativity for a long time, so I don't feel like I owed that person anything.
"Like, he literally came to the match to not even support anyone really, it was more just to stir up and disrespect. That's fine. But if I give it back to you, then that's just how it is."
His Thursday (June 30) Wimbledon performance against Filip Krajinovic was one of his best yet, securing a straight-sets win to roar into the third round.
Despite his performance, his first-round antics were still a hot topic of discussion.
However, the 27-year-old didn’t take too kindly to the line of questioning.
He asked: "Why would you be asking me a question about two days ago? Is it because you have no story for today?
He continued: “I just feel like I'm comfortable in my own skin. Some people love to just tear me down. It's just not possible anymore.
"I just want to give people who watch this press conference or watch my tennis to just believe in yourself, be yourself, don't be someone else up here either. Don't just say what you've been told to say.
"I couldn't care less if there is an investigation about me doing that, to be brutally honest with you. I know what I bring to the sport. One of the most important people in the sport. Do you want to speak about that? Nothing to investigate there because it's just factual."
Topics: Tennis, Nick Kyrgios, Swimming
Jayden Collins