Moody Kyrgios suffers mental collapse in Miami loss

Nick Kyrgios lost focus quickly as he led 2-0 in a tiebreaker, with the unpredictable Australian crashing out of the Miami Masters on Friday 7-6 (3), 6-0 to Karen Khachanov.

The former Wimbledon finalist who now ranks 892 after barely touching a racquet due to injury and personal crises over the past few seasons, practically gave it away as Khachanov profitted by staying calm and letting his moody opponent self-destruct.

The second-round exit came after Kyrgios began the hardcourt event with his first match win in two and a half years this week.

But the momentum faded away as the 29-year-old went on an enraged vocal rampage against his player box on his way to defeat in 76 minutes.

Khachanov stayed cool as Kyrgios disintegrated on court. “With Nick you never know, he hasn’t played in the last two or three years. You don’t know in which. 

“I tried to stay calm in the heat of battle. I stayed focused and mentally strong. I’m proud of myself today.”

The winner added: “I could see that he was, lets’ say, getting out of the zone mentally.

“I gain confidence when I see my opponent like that. I just have to continue to play the same way.”

Kyrgios collapsed after a competitive opening set, with the Australian leading 2-0 in the tiebreaker before he suddenly got angry with his team members, shouting at them frequently as his chances slipped away.

The second set lasted for less than 20 minutes as Kyrgios hit a forehand long to end it all on match point as he completely unravelled..

The player who has admitted to past mental problems and self-harm, must now decide how to continue his season, with his detested clay soon to be the only surface available until June and the Wimbledon run-up.

Kyrgios said that in his current state, taking to the court can be an ordeal.

“I take five painkillers each day. My ankle seems Ok but the shoulder is bothering me.”