Sorry Nick Kyrgios Responds To 8-Week ATP Suspension, Says He Will Improve His Behavior
The ATP took their sanctions against Nick Kyrgios a step further today. Last week, after the brash Australian tanked his way out of Shanghai, the ATP slapped Kyrgios with a $16,500 fine.
Today, the tour suspended Kyrgios for eight tournament weeks and hit him with another $25,000 fine calling the 21-year-old’s actions in Shanghai a major “Conduct Contrary to the Integrity of the Game” offense.
The ATP said in a statement:
The offense means that Kyrgios receives an additional fine of US$ 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, meaning Kyrgios could regain eligibility to compete on the ATP World Tour or Challenger Tour from Monday 7 November, 2016.
If Kyrgios seeks help, he could return earlier at the Hopman Cup. But for now, he’s not eligible to play until the Australian Open which begins on January 16 meaning his 2016 season is over and he will not play Basel or Paris.
Kyrgios responded in his own statement that he will try to get help:
Following the ATP’s decision today I would like to take this opportunity to apologise again for the circumstances in Shanghai. The season has been a long one as I battled several injuries and other challenges towards the end of the summer.
The Asian circuit was particularly tough after the long week and win in Tokyo and with the travel throughout the continent, my body finally just gave out in Shanghai both physically and mentally. 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.
I of course know how important the fans are to the success of our sport and I personally love the interaction with fans in the many different cities throughout the world on the tennis circuit. I am someone who gives a huge amount of time to my fans because I love and value their support. Their energy is what motivates me to reach for the top of the game.
I regret that my year is ending this way and that I will not have a chance to continue chasing the ATP Finals. This was an important goal for me. I do understand and respect the decision by the ATP and I will use this time off to improve on and off the court. I am truly sorry and look forward to returning in 2017.
Tennis Australia added that they supported the ATP decision and that Kyrgios has agreed to counseling.
“Tennis Australia will support the ATP sanction on Nick Kyrgios following recent events in Shanghai,” they wrote in a statement.
“Nick’s health and wellbeing is a priority and the ATP has offered a reduced penalty on the provision that he seeks appropriate professional advice, which he has agreed to do.
“Nick understands the gravity of his actions, has shown remorse and expressed a willingness to improve.
“We believe it’s our responsibility to help Nick, along with all our young athletes, improve both professionally on court as a player, and personally. We have always offered assistance and advice to Nick and his team and will continue to do so.”
You Might Like:
ATP Puts Nick Kyrgios On Probation, Next Misstep Results In 28-Day Suspension
ATP Slaps Nick Kyrgios With $10,000 Fine, Leaves Door Open For Further Discipline And Possible Suspension
Nick Kyrgios Defends Bernard Tomic’s Matchpoint Tank
Nick Kyrgios Hit With $113K Fine For Cincinnati Behavior
Nick Kyrgios Fined $16.5K By ATP For Tanking In Shanghai