Nick Kyrgios loses to Reilly Opelka in ATP Houston semi-finals after penalty following outburst

Nick Kyrgios lost 6-3 7-5 to Reilly Opelka in the semi-finals of the ATP Houston tournament on Saturday afternoon. The Australian received a walkover in the quarters to come up against the American but was on the back foot as soon as he was broken in the first set to go 3-1 down.

Ad/> Opelka pressed his advantage to round out the first set and the temperamental Australian again cut a frustrated figure on the court after an already controversial start to his campaign. ATP HoustonKyrgios gets walkover, Opelka cruises past Brouwer to set up Houston semi-final clash12 HOURS AGO Earlier in the week the ATP warned that they would start to punish players more harshly after a string of on-court outbursts, including Kyrgios at the Miami Open.

Four offences cost him a fine of $35,000, and yet again Kyrgios has invited more scrutiny. In the second set he was visibly angry at what he perceived to be a poor call from the umpire, but still rallied to 5-5 and had the match to play for.

'Outrageous' Bartoli slams lack of punishment for Zverev after umpire chair attack Djokovic set for Alcaraz clash at Monte Carlo quarter-finals 'Positive for him' — Why Evert believes Nadal injury time off is 'a bonus' However he suffered a point penalty for swearing when down a break point, and the result then quickly went away from him. /> John Isner faces Cristian Garin later on Saturday in the other semi-final, with the final to be played on Sunday.