Bored one day, bundled out in disgrace the next.
Nick Kyrgios's turnaround from temperamental 21-year-old to tournament-winning toast of tennis has been short-lived after he was accused of unprofessional behaviour by the umpire in a 48-minute second round loss at the Shanghai Masters.
The Australian was dispatched 6-3 6-1 by German journeyman Mischa Zverev and could yet face further sanction after appearing to put in no effort during various stages of the match.
Just days after calmly winning his third title of the year in Japan Kyrgios returned to type, arguing with spectators, receiving a code violation for an audible obscenity and walking to the change of ends before one of his opponent's serves even landed.
The signs weren't great after a first round win over American Sam Querrey in which Kyrgios declared he was "bored" but following a week in Tokyo with some of his best behaviour the world No.14 unravelled.
After all but giving away a point chair umpire Ali Nilli told Kyrgios: "You can't play like that, OK? That's not professional ... this is a professional tournament, we have to act professional and play with your best effort the whole time."
He received a code violation after swearing at the crowd who were riding the Australian, who lost his opening service game, for much of the match.
Down 1-4 in the second set Kyrgios suggested one spectator should "go home" after he told the Australian to "respect the game, respect the people".
Kyrgios had another verbal altercation before the match ended, telling a spectator he had "zero career".
It was a frustrating evening in more ways than one with Kyrgios having a good opportunity to get extra rankings points in his unlikely chase for a spot at the World Tour Finals.
Currently placed 12th in the 'Race for London' Kyrgios needs a strong finish to the season to be part of the top eight player group invited to the event which is based on performances in 2016.
He is scheduled to compete in two more events before the London finale.
His slated next opponent, Tomas Berdych was also upset on Wednesday, Kyrgios burning a possible match-up with Novak Djokovic in a quarter-final.
