Upon hitting a listless serve directly into the net in a match against American Madison Brengle, Gavriolva reacted by hurling her racket at the net, coming within inches of striking a ball-boy collecting the ball.

Gavrilova then seemed to ignore the near-miss, walking to her chair with her head down. The 23-year-old Australian was allowed to continue the match, which she won in three sets.

Responding to the controversy arising for Gavrilova's let-off, fellow-Aussie firebrand Kyrgios - who has been cited several times during his career for unsportsmanlike behaviour - claimed the incident was proof of double standards in tennis punishments. 

Gavrilova now enters the second round of the Mexican Open, where she could be joined by fellow Australian Anastasia Rodionova, who is in action today.

Current world no. 14, Kyrgios, had earlier pulled out of the Mexican Open due to a recurrent shoulder injury.