Nick Kyrgios says he received ‘racial slurs’ during BOSS Open defeat to Andy Murray in Stuttgart

Nick Kyrgios has said he was the victim of racist abuse during his BOSS Open semi-final match against Andy Murray in Stuttgart. The 27-year-old was penalised at the start of the second set after becoming frustrated and breaking a racquet, and has since taken to Instagram to explain his behaviour on court.

Ad/> Kyrgios said “racial slurs” from the crowd were the reason for his behaviour, and it was «messed up”.that he was penalised after responding to comments he heard from the crowd. ATP Stuttgart'It was a good performance' — Murray overcomes Tsitsipas and advances to Stuttgart semi-finalsYESTERDAY AT 16:03 He wrote: „When is this going to stop? Dealing with racial slurs from the crowd? I UNDERSTAND THAT MY BEHAVIOUR ISN'T THE BEST ALL THE TIME — but 'you little BLACK SHEEP', 'shut up and play'… little comments like this are NOT ACCEPTABLE.

When I retaliate to the crowd, I get penalised. This is messed up.“ After a closely fought first set, Murray clinched the set after a 7-5 tie-break win, which led to Kyrgios launching his racquet towards the floor in anger, breaking it in two, and receiving a point penalty.

'It’s been a long while' — Murray beats Kyrgios in straight sets to reach Stuttgart final Queen's draw sees Murray face Sonego, could meet Berrettini in second round ATP Stuttgart: Berrettini overcomes Otte to book place in Stuttgart final He then conceded a game penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct as he continuously argued with the umpire, which gave Murray a decent advantage at the start of the second set. The incident put Kyrgios off his stride as he failed to mount a comeback, which left Murray to capitalise and book his place in Sunday’s final against Matteo Berrettini.