Thanasi Kokkinakis has been met with threats of violence by
American pro Ryan Harrison in a heated on-court clash.
Harrison and Kokkinakis had to be separated by tournament
officials after their tight qualifying encounter in Cincinnati.
Tensions between the 19-year-old Greek - Australian and
23-year-old American bubbled over during the match, won by Kokkinakis 7-5 3-6
7-6 (7-2).
Post-match, Harrison told the chair umpire "You have
got to get these kids under control or they're gonna get hurt."
While Kokkinakis could be heard telling the tournament
referee: "I've done nothing to disrespect him and he's giving me
that."
According to witnesses, during the match Harrison shouted:
"Your whole crew is just so cool" at Kokkinakis, referencing last
week's drama.
New York Times tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg quoted
Harrison as threatening violence against the rising South Australian.
"If he wants to get into it, I will bury him. Wawrinka
should've decked Kyrgios, and I should deck that kid," Rothenberg quoted
Harrison as saying.
Harrison received a warning for unsportsmanlike conduct,
prompting Kokkinakis to say: "Should've happened a long time ago,"
according to Rothenberg.
Kokkinakis then told
Harrison: "Don't sledge me mate, don't sledge me, it's not cool".
Thanasi Kokkinakis will continue his effort to qualify for
the prestigious US Open lead-up event against Turkish world No.84 Marsel Ilhan.
In the main draw, Kyrgios was handed a rematch with his
Wimbledon conqueror Richard Gasquet, while Bernard Tomic will play a qualifier
to set up a potential second-round meeting with world No.4 Kei Nishikori.
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