Nick Kyrgios returned to Wimbledon on Wednesday and risked a substantial fine by swearing at the umpire during a men's doubles match. The Australian, partnered with Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan, lost 6-3, 6-4 to Marcelo Arevalo and Mate Pavic in the first round.
Outburst Over Umpire Exchange
The incident occurred early in the second set after Arevalo and Pavic broke to lead 1-0. Kyrgios, visibly frustrated, launched into a foul-mouthed tirade directed at the umpire. "Honestly at this point you can fine me, I honestly don't even care," the 31-year-old said. "Honestly you can fine me, I don't give a s***. All these rules are so dumb anyway."
It was unclear what triggered the outburst, but Kyrgios appeared to shake his head while adjusting his cap before returning to his position. The exchange echoed his previous behaviour at SW19, where he was fined multiple times during his run to the 2022 final.
Potential Fines Under Grand Slam Rules
According to the Grand Slam rulebook, Kyrgios could face fines of up to $50,000 (£37,000) for each audible obscenity violation. The rules state: "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, unsportsmanlike conduct can incur fines up to $100,000 per violation.
Kyrgios acknowledged the risk, telling the umpire he was ready to accept further penalties. He also criticised the regulations as "dumb" during the match.
Match Details and Outcome
Arevalo and Pavic, who reached the semi-finals in 2025, took an early lead and never looked back. The Kyrgios-Bublik duo failed to secure any of the first six points and could not capitalise on their only break point in the opening set, losing it 6-3. In the second set, they stayed within reach but could not secure the vital break back, falling 6-4.
The defeat allowed Arevalo and Pavic to advance to a second-round clash with British pair Marcus Willis and David Stevenson. Bublik had already progressed to the second round of the men's singles, but the doubles partnership struggled against the seeded opponents.
Kyrgios' Grand Slam Doubles Credentials
Despite the loss, Kyrgios boasts a Grand Slam doubles title, having won the Australian Open in 2022 alongside fellow Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis. His return to Wimbledon this year marked his first appearance at the tournament since his 2022 singles final defeat to Novak Djokovic.
