US Open 2015: Nick Kyrgios shows ‘absolute stupidity’ in loss against Andy Murray, says John McEnroe

Nick Kyrgios joined Australia’s disappointing US Open season after a first-round defeat against World No. 3 Andy Murray 7-5 6-3 4-6 6-1. Kyrgios was doing his signature antics at Arthur Ashe Stadium, but it was not enough to distract Murray from moving into the second round of the tournament. However, Kyrgios caught the attention of former tennis player John McEnroe, who hit out at the Australian’s “bonehead” moves.

McEnroe, former world No. 1 and considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time, slammed Kyrgios during his opening round clash against Murray in the US Open. Commentating for ESPN at the match, the American tennis great released a series of attacks at the controversial Australian tennis pro.

“You don’t want to be remembered as a clown. You want to be remembered as a player,” McEnroe said, reports News.

Kyrgios displayed some of his lethal side during the match, but occasionally cracked antics on the tennis court by throwing racquets, complaining to the umpire and getting a one-minute nap after the first set. The 20-year-old tennis pro also showed off an ill-advised tweener shot, but McEnroe did not appreciate any of Kyrgios’ tricks, describing them as “absolute stupidity.”

Kyrgios was recently handed a 28-day ban that is only enforced if he misbehaves at ATP events over the next six months. However, the suspension does not apply to grand slams, leaving Kyrgios free to exhibit his theatrics.

Murray wrapped up two straight sets before Kyrgios snatched the third, when the former was broken to love. It was the first set that Kyrgios had taken off the British tennis pro, but it was short-lived as Murray went back to finish the fourth set and clinch his first-round win. Murray revealed it was fun playing against Kyrgios because of his unusual habits, but the 28-year-old Brit also admitted playing against the Aussie tennis pro needs a lot of concentration.

"Obviously for me it's important when you're playing against him to just concentrate on your side of the court I think," Murray said, as reported by Sydney Morning Herald. “But, yeah, almost all the matches that I've played, there have been a couple points where I have laughed on the court or smiled because some of the stuff is funny.”

Kyrgios, ranked as world no. 37, will consider facing Murray again in the Davis Cup semi-finals later this month. Meanwhile, Murray has booked a second round match against France’s Adrian Mannarino, who defeated Konstatin Kravchuk of Russia in straight sets 7-6 (6) 6-4 6-1.

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