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ATP ban Nick Kyrgios for eight weeks over Shanghai Masters conduct

Ban could be reduced to three weeks if Australian undergoes a remedial course

Nick Kyrgios has been banned for eight weeks by the ATP for his conduct at the Shanghai Masters. Photograph: Afp
Nick Kyrgios has been banned for eight weeks by the ATP for his conduct at the Shanghai Masters. Photograph: Afp
Mon Oct 17 2016 - 12:08

Nick Kyrgios has been suspended from tennis for at least three weeks following his controversial exit from the Shanghai Masters last week.

The Australian admitted he "took the easy way out" after appearing to give up during a 6-3 6-1 defeat to qualifier Mischa Zverev in the second round.

On several occasions, Kyrgios patted down tame serves or even just wandered off court while the rally was still going on.

He was fined a total of $16,500 US dollars (€15,000) on Thursday but has now been fined a further $25,000 (£22,700) in addition to the suspension.

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Kyrgios, who also clashed verbally with a spectator during the match, is officially banned for eight weeks but it will be reduced to three providing he undergoes a remedial course.

An ATP statement read: “Following the completion of its investigation into Nick Kyrgios’ second round match last week at the Shanghai Rolex Masters, the ATP has announced that Kyrgios has been found to have committed the player major offence ‘Conduct Contrary to the Integrity of the Game’.

“The offence means that Kyrgios receives an additional fine of $25,000 and is suspended from ATP tournaments for eight tournament weeks, effective from today, Monday 17 October, 2016, through to Sunday 15 January, 2017.

“However, the suspension will be reduced to three tournament weeks upon agreement that the player enters a plan of care under the direction of a sports psychologist, or an equivalent plan approved by ATP, meaning Kyrgios could regain eligibility to compete on the ATP World Tour or Challenger Tour from Monday 7 November, 2016.

“Today’s announcement completes the ATP’s investigation into this matter which, following the conclusion of the on-site process, included further review of the match as well as comments made during Kyrgios’ post-match press conference.”

Kyrgios was unrepentant after the match over his argument with the spectator.

He said in his press conference: “I don’t owe them anything. It’s my choice. If you don’t like it, I didn’t ask you to come watch. Just leave.

“You want to buy a ticket? Come watch me. You know I’m unpredictable. It’s your choice. I don’t owe you anything. Doesn’t affect how I sleep at night.”

However, he later wrote on Twitter: “Not good enough today on many levels, I’m better than that. I can go on about excuses but there are none. Sorry #StillAWorkInProgress”.