Nick Kyrgios refuses to play during Murray River Open in trademark meltdown

Australian held up play for more than five minutes as he argued over a time violation during match against Bourchier in Melbourne

Nick Kyrgios argues with the match referee during his match against Harry Bourchier at the Murray River Open at Melbourne Park on February 3. Getty

A tournament official talks with Nick Kyrgios during the Murray River Open. EPA

Nick Kyrgios puts down his racquet and refuses to play following a time violation. EPA

Nick Kyrgios leaves the court as he refuses to play after receiving a time violation. EPA

Nick Kyrgios during his victory over Harry Bourchier. Getty

Nick Kyrgios argues with the match referee. Getty

Nick Kyrgios after refusing to play following a time violation. EPA

Nick Kyrgios during his victory over Harry Bourchier. EPA

Nick Kyrgios argues with the match referee. Getty

Nick Kyrgios argues with the match referee. Getty

Australia's Nick Kyrgios had one of his trademark meltdowns on Wednesday, holding up play for more than five minutes as he argued over a time violation while serving at the Murray River Open.

The combustible Kyrgios was leading countryman Harry Bourchier 6-2, 5-5 and serving at 40-30 when he took issue with the decision, walking to his chair and declaring: "I'm not playing, sorry mate."

Kyrgios, who eventually recovered to win the match, was unhappy that Spanish umpire Nacho Forcadelle called the violation, claiming he had already begun his service motion.

"It's like you're just doing it to be funny," he fumed at the umpire. "Do you think you're funny?"

He demanded the match supervisor be called, telling the chair official: "When will you guys realise it's not about you. You're just an extra for all of us."

After arguing further with the supervisor, he finally agreed to play after being assured he wouldn't be fined.

When Bourchier suggested they get on with the game Kyrgios responded: "I want to talk about it now. I've lost enough money to these peanuts."

Kyrgios gathered his composure to win the match 6-2, 7-6 and afterwards insisted: "I just like playing by the rules.

"And I just didn't want to play until I was sure I wasn't going to get fined because the ATP are pretty rough all the time, they fine me so much money."

Kyrgios, who has a history on-court blow-ups, is playing his first tournament in a year after a wrist injury and then the coronavirus pandemic brought his 2020 season to a halt.

He will take on Croat Borna Coric in the next round.

Earlier, three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka clawed past Mikhail Kukushkin to keep alive his hopes of a first title since 2017 as he battles back from a case of Covid-19.

The Swiss 35-year-old, who won the first of his three Grand Slam titles in Melbourne in 2014, tested positive to the virus just before Christmas, upsetting his preparations.

Seeded one at the Murray River Open and in his first match of the season, he lost the opening set against his Kazakh opponent but kept his composure to fight back and win 4-6, 6-3, 6-1.