Thanasi Kokkinakis and Fernando Verdasco in angry on-court bust-up at Miami Open… with Aussie hot-head Nick Kyrgios chiming in


THANASI KOKKINAKIS and Fernando Verdasco were involved in an angry on-court bust-up at Miami Open on Monday.

Australian star Kokkinakis, 21, clashed with the veteran Spaniard, and pair exchanged angry words with the umpire.

Fernando Verdasco and Thanasi Kokkinakis were involved in a fiery row on Monday
Fernando Verdasco and Thanasi Kokkinakis were involved in fiery row on Monday
USA TODAY Sports

The row began after Verdasco, 34, grew frustrated with a “disruptive” member of the crowd – with Kokkinakis then angered by the Spanish star’s behaviour.

That man later turned out to be the Australian’s father – with Verdasco initially believing it to be the youngster’s coach.

During the long argument, Verdasco said to Kokkinakis: “I’m not trying to disrespect you, I’m not talking about you, I’m talking about the guy in the crowd.”

After clicking the man in the crowd was his own father, Kokkinakis roared: “That’s my dad. That is affecting me. That’s my f***ing dad.”

Thanasi Kokkinakis took exception to Fernando Verdasco criticising his dad
Thanasi Kokkinakis took exception to Fernando Verdasco criticising his dad
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Naturally, Kokkinakis’ fellow Australian and notorious hot-head Nick Kyrgios had his say later in the day.

Following the row, Kyrgios tweeted: “I hope TK wins this match, Verdasco is the saltiest dude, must be frustrated at his past success against Aussies.”


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In the seemingly never-ending quarrel, Verdasco replied to Kyrgios on Twitter… continuing to stoke the fire.

The Spaniard said: “@NickKyrgios when you have the courage to put a tweet insulting another player you need to have the same to don’t delete it.”

Nick Kyrgios couldnt help but have his say on the Miami Open row
Nick Kyrgios couldnt help but have his say on the Miami Open row
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Never one to hold his tongue, Kyrgios barked back, saying: “I would honestly have told it to Fernando’s face.

“The reason I deleted my previous tweet was because I didn’t want to cause unwanted attention, but I’m just gonna leave this here.

“Thanks for blocking me, I’m sure that took a lot of courage x”

Fernando Verdasco eventually went on to win the clash in Miami
Fernando Verdasco eventually went on to win the clash in Miami
EPA

Eventually, Verdasco did manage to overcome Kokkinakis, winning 3-6 6-4 7-6 (7-4) in Miami.

Following the Spaniard’s win, the pair shared an awkward handshake and went their separate ways.

Meanwhile, Kyrgios enjoyed a smoother journey into the Miami Open quarter-finals, with a 6-3 6-3 win over 15th seed Fabio Fognini.


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