The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) has banned Nick Kyrgios for eight tournament weeks following his conduct during the second-round defeat to Mischa Zverev at the 2016 Shanghai Masters.
The 21-year-old has also been fined $25,000 on top of the earlier $16,500-fine the ATP slapped on him on Thursday "for breaches of the ATP Code of Conduct".
Kyrgios appeared disinterested during his 6-3, 6-1 loss to Zverev on Wednesday and reportedly entered into an heated argument with a fan who questioned his attitude. Kyrgios hardly put in any effort in his serves and returns. At one point of the match, he even walked off the court after serving and without even waiting for a return from the German.
During the post-match press conference at Shanghai, Kyrgios went on to defend his angry outburst saying "he did not owe them [the fans] anything" and added he "could not care less" to qualify for November's ATP Finals.
However, the Australian tennis sensation could return to court as early as 7 November as the ATP has revealed the suspension will be reduced to three weeks if Kyrgios agrees to consult a sports psychologist. Notably, Kyrgios has been on the receiving end of a lot of flak for his angry outbursts with opponents and fans in the past.
During the 2015 Rogers Cup second round clash in Montreal, he reportedly went to tell his opponent, Stan Wawrinka, that the Swiss star's wife had slept with another player.
"Kyrgios has been found to have committed the player major offense 'Conduct Contrary to the Integrity of the Game'," a statement on ATP's official website read.
"The offense means that Kyrgios receives an additional fine of US$ 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."
Kyrgios apologised for his conduct saying he faced the brunt of a long season both physically and mentally. He also said he loved and valued his fans' support before adding that he would not be chasing the ATP Finals.
"Following the ATP's decision today I would like to take this opportunity to apologise again for the circumstances in Shanghai. My body finally just gave out in Shanghai both physically and mentally," Kyrgios said, according to a statement released on his official website.
"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.
"I regret that my year is ending this way and that I will not have a chance to continue chasing the ATP Finals.
"I do understand and respect the decision by the ATP and I will use this time off to improve on and off the court."
