AUSTRALIAN TENNIS PLAYER Nick Kyrgios has been banned for eight tournament weeks and fined an additional US$25,000 by the ATP following his antics in the Shanghai Masters last week.
The 21-year-old’s suspension was imposed after he was deemed by governing body the ATP to have committed a ‘major offence which was conduct contrary to the integrity of the game’ during a defeat to qualifier Mischa Zverev.
World number 14 Kyrgios was at the centre of another tanking controversy, seemingly throwing in the towel as he bowed out to the German qualifier.
The ATP revealed the Canberra native, who had already been fined US$16,500 for his behaviour, which also saw him exchange words with a spectator, could have his suspension reduced to three tournament weeks if he enters a plan of care under a sports psychologist or an equivalent ATP-approved plan.
If not, he will not be banned until 15 January next year, the day before the Australian Open gets underway in Melbourne.
