Kyrgios banned for Shanghai tantrums

The ATP Tour has banned Nick Kyrgios until January 15 after he tanked in the second round of last week’s Shanghai Masters.

And in an astonishing move which aims to satisfy both camps, the ATP Tour have told the controversial Australian that he can return to the sport next month if he agrees to go and see a sports psychologist to help him battle his demons.

“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 offense ‘Conduct Contrary to the Integrity of the Game’,” the ATP said in a statement.

“The offence means that Kyrgios receives an additional fine of US$ 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.” ATP chief Chris Kermode also made a statement, calling Kyrgios’s conduct “unacceptable, disrespectful to the sport, and its fans” but adding that “Nick is a phenomenal talent, and or hope is that he uses this time away from the Tour constructively and, with some support, is able to return to the competition with an improved mind-set and stronger than ever before.” “This is no excuse, and I know very well that I need to apologise to the fans in Shanghai and in other parts of the world as well as the tournament organisers in Shanghai who do an amazing job.