Nick Kyrgios risked a substantial fine after launching a foul-mouthed rant at the umpire during his return to Wimbledon on Wednesday. The 31-year-old Australian, playing men's doubles with Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan, swore at the official during the second set of their first-round match against Marcelo Arevalo and Mate Pavic.
Kyrgios' Outburst
The incident occurred after Arevalo and Pavic broke serve to take a 1-0 lead in the second set. Kyrgios, frustrated by the turn of events, directed his anger at the umpire, saying: "Honestly at this point you can fine me, I honestly don't even care. Honestly you can fine me, I don't give a s***. All these rules are so dumb anyway." It was unclear what the umpire had said to trigger the outburst. After the exchange, Kyrgios shook his head while adjusting his cap and returning to his position on court.
Potential Penalties Under Grand Slam Rules
According to the Grand Slam rulebook, Kyrgios could face a fine of up to $50,000 (£37,000) for each violation of the audible obscenity rule. The rule states: "Players shall not use audible obscenity within the precinct of the tournament site. Violation of this Section shall subject a player to a fine up to $50,000 for each violation." Additionally, a separate rule covering sportsmanlike conduct carries a fine of up to $100,000 per violation. Kyrgios was handed several fines during his last SW19 appearance in 2022, when he reached the final, and has previously addressed swearing in front of the Royal Box.
Match Details
Kyrgios and Bublik struggled from the start, losing the first six points of the match. Arevalo and Pavic, seeded for the tournament, needed just one break to win the opening set 6-3, with Kyrgios and Bublik failing to convert their only break point. After being broken early in the second set, the duo kept in touch against opponents who had made the semi-finals in 2025. However, they were unable to secure a break back, losing 6-3, 6-4. The victory allowed Arevalo and Pavic to advance to a second-round meeting with Great Britain's Marcus Willis and David Stevenson.
Though Bublik has already progressed to the second round of the men's singles, the doubles partnership struggled against their seeded opponents. Kyrgios himself boasts one Grand Slam doubles title, having won the Australian Open alongside fellow Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis in 2022.
