Nick Kyrgios’ profitable journey to Saudi Arabia is over after one outing with a misplaced his opening match to Cameron Norrie on Thursday.
The world No. 14 defeated Kyrgios 10-6 10-6 in two tremendous tiebreaks on the Diriyah Tennis Cup.
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Norrie, who made the Wimbledon semi-finals earlier this yr, will subsequent face Stefanos Tsitipas within the quarterfinals.
Elsewhere in Saudi Arabia, Daniil Medvedev defeated Alexander Zverev to arrange a conflict with Dominic Thiem.
The loss was a disappointing early exit for Kyrgios, who entered the exhibition occasion with a lot fanfare after he revealed he had earned a six-figure pay cheque for taking part in in Saudi Arabia.
The occasion has drawn widespread backlash with Norrie being closely criticised for agreeing to participate within the occasion.
The very underwhelming crowds within the stands in Saudi Arabia have additionally raised eyebrows.
After being knocked out of the ATP Finals doubles occasion, Kyrgios opted to as soon as once more not be a part of his Australian counterparts for the Davis Cup.
As a substitute he made the choice to participate in a profitable exhibition occasion in Saudi Arabia for the Diriyah Tennis Cup, incomes himself a six-figure pay cheque.
Kyrgios nevertheless wasn’t hiding from the very fact, as an alternative providing up a humble brag concerning the incoming payday.
“Saudi Arabia and Dubai is all that’s left. You realize I gotta get the bag,” he wrote on Instagram.
Forward of the Diriyah Cup, Kyrgios blamed Australia for his resolution to skip the Davis Cup.
“Possibly if Australia embraced me somewhat bit extra, I might play it and produce dwelling the trophy,” he advised AAP.
“However who is aware of?
“It’s not at all times straightforward for me to erase every part in Australia that’s stated negatively about me or my household.
“You don’t want that – so it’s fascinating that they actually need me to play, however are at all times criticising.”
And the controversy didn’t finish there. After his loss to Norrie, Kyrgios fired up in a testy exchange on Twitter with MailOnline tennis author Mike Dickson.
Dickson posted: “Tennis thus far this month: Gamers travelling to exhibition in Russia; others troughing on Saudi Arabia money; Wimbledon hammered for taking a stand on Ukraine.
“What a time to be alive.”
Kyrgios replied: “You may have an issue with us enjoying in Saudi? It’s a lovely place?”
Dickson responded: “I’m positive it’s from the place you’re standing
Kyrgios: “So salty no have to be butt harm that I’m getting paid nicely for doing what I like world wide. Keep on.”
Dickson completed with: “Happy for you.”
Kyrgios will contest yet another match earlier than the yr is out on the inaugural World Tennis League on December 19-24.
The World No. 22 will then flip his consideration to the Australian Open in January, the place he has progressed to the quarterfinals twice.
