SHANGHAI (AP) – Nick Kyrgios looked completely disengaged at the Shanghai Masters, like he couldn’t get off the court fast enough. Rafael Nadal fought as hard as he could to prolong his stay in China but came up short.
Both players lost in the second round on Wednesday, though the effort they put forth couldn’t have been more different.
Kyrgios was booed by the crowd and admonished by the chair umpire for his lack of professionalism during a 6-3, 6-1 loss to German qualifier Mischa Zverev. The Australian floated in 67 mph (108 kph) first serves and argued with a fan.
Afterward, he defended his behavior by saying he didn’t owe the spectators anything and fans could “just leave” if they didn’t like his attitude.
Nadal’s late-season struggles continued, however, losing to Viktor Troicki 6-3, 7-6 (3). The result prompted the Spaniard to contemplate shutting his season down early.