Marat Safin once again hit the self-destruct button on Friday when he sulked, screamed and shrieked his way out of the Australian Open.
During an explosive third-round showdown with Andy Roddick, the combustible Russian's anger once again boiled over as he lambasted tournament referee Wayne McKewen for making him play on what he considered a wet surface.
After battling the officials and Roddick for three hours and 12 minutes, the fiery Russian finally exited the arena, beaten 7-6, 2-6, 6-4, 7-6.
- Also see: Lime time in Melbourne
The match was briefly interrupted because of rain and once the roof had been closed on the Rod Laver Arena, the Russian let rip because the court had not been wiped dry to his satisfaction.
As Roddick took up his place on court, the Russian stubbornly sat rooted to his chair. Even when McKewen came up and ordered him to play on, Safin continued to protest loudly.
After what seemed like an eternity, and with the growing possibility of being defaulted from the match, the Russian got up and completed the game but refused to shut up.
"This guy (McKewen) comes in and says it's okay. He has no idea... he's never played tennis in his life," Safin yelled at French umpire Pascal Maria.
The heated exchange ended with Safin swearing at the umpire which earned the Russian a warning for audible obscenity.
The mutterings did not stop there.
He continued to let his frustrations known during the changeovers, glaring up at Maria from his courtside chair.
Maria soon turned out to be the target of Safin's next tirade.
The umpire was left red-faced after a call he overruled at 1-1 in the fourth set was challenged by Safin. When Hawk-eye technology proved Safin right, the Russian roared his delight and defiantly stared at the umpire.
After completing the game, there was no stopping the 26-year-old.
"If you're not sure, don't call it," he raged at Maria.
"You see what's gonna happen? I cannot argue with you as you have all the power."
