Nick Kyrgios denies calling a Wimbledon umpire “dirty scum” but says he cares not if the tournament imposes a penalty.

The Australian tennis player made the remark after a heated exchange with chair umpire Mohammed Layhani during his first-round win against Diego Schwartzman.

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The words were directed at himself, Kyrgios told reporters after the match.

“I wasn’t referring to the ref at all there,” he said. “It was towards myself.”

When asked if you expected to be fined, he said it “wouldn’t bother me one bit”.

Kyrgios’ outburst was prompted by a contentious line call. During the following argument with the umpire, he threatened to discontinue play.

“That is not the rules,” he said. “I will sit out here and wait. I’m not going to play. I’m going to get him to come out, that’s the rules.”

Kyrgios was adamant a point should have been replayed. Instead, his opponent was awarded the score after a successful challenge.

Apart from this confrontation, the match was an easy win for the Aussie, who won in straight sets 6-0 6-2 7-6.

-with AAP.