Nick Kyrgios at it again

Nick Kyrgios can expect to be hit in the pocket yet again after another ill-tempered display when losing to Karen Khachanov in Cincinnati.

The controversial Australian seemed to have turned a corner when sporting an altogether happier persona in winning the Citi Open in Washington a couple of weeks ago. However, it all unravelled in Ohio on Wednesday and he frequently argued with Irish umpire Fergus Murphy while also smashing two racquets after walking off court.

The world number 27 also used insulting language towards the official and the authorities are sure to take a dim view of his actions. It remains to be seen what sanction is dished out but it is clear that fining a very wealthy individual is having no effect on his behaviour.

Kyrgios has been banned before and threatened to quit the sport on many occasions but remains a talented player and someone who many feel is capable of winning a Grand Slam at some stage in the future.

The match was tight until the final set, with 23-year-old Russian Khachanov prevailing 6-7 (3-7) 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 to advance to round three. After the contest, Khachanov said Kyrgios has “great talent” but “sometimes the head is not in the right place”.

At the other end of the temperament scale sits Roger Federer and the Swiss legend can be backed at 3.80 to win the tournament, with Novak Djokovic priced as the 1.91 favourite. Federer takes on 21-year-old Andrey Rublev on Thursday and is 1.10 to win that match, with his Russian opponent on offer at 6.50.