Nick Kyrgios apologises for outburst after Indian Wells loss to Rafael Nadal

Australian Nick Kyrgios apologised for losing his temper after his defeat at the hands of Rafa Nadal at Indian Wells and for smashing his racket into the ground, which then bounced and nearly struck a ball boy.

The ball boy was able to duck out of the way and Kyrgios was then booed by some in the crowd following his 7-6, 5-7, 6-4 loss to Spaniard Nadal on Thursday.

"I just want to apologise to that ball kid at the end of the match," Kyrgios wrote on Instagram. "It was a complete accident and was frustrated at the end of the match.

"My racket took a crazy bounce and was never my intention. If anyone knows who that ball kid is, send me a message and I will send a racket to him. I'm glad he's OK!"

Kyrgios tracked down the ball boy on social media, who accepted the apology, saying he was "completely fine" and looking forward to getting his hands on a racket.

Made a new friend in the process