Australian Nick Kyrgios crashed out of the Shanghai Masters and appeared to give up during a 6-3 6-1 defeat to qualifier Mischa Zverev.

Kyrgios, 21, had said he was “bored” after a first-round victory over Sam Querrey, which followed a run to the Japan Open title last week.

But now Kyrgios could face punishment after his antics against world number 110 Zverev, as he was seen to float a serve tamely over the net and walk out of points before they were over.

The 12th seed dropped serve in the opening game of the match, and then twice again as the first set slipped away in 27 minutes.

In the second set, Kyrgios lost serve twice to trail 5-1, before the German, ranked 110 in the world, wrapped up victory.

The Association of Tennis Professionals’ rules state that any player failing to put in ‘best efforts’ in a match can be fined up to $10,000  for each violation.

Footage of Kyrgios’s behaviour went viral online and across social media, with one Australian bookmaker yesterday offering to refund losing bets.