SYDNEY, Sept 27, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Combustible tennis star Nick Kyrgios on
Friday insisted he’ll be on his “best behaviour” for the next six months
after being put on probation by the ATP following a series of recent on-court
outbursts.
The temperamental Australian was hit with a suspended 16-week ban on
Thursday which can be lifted after a six-month probationary period provided
he meets certain strict criteria.
It includes seeking support from a specialist in behavioural management
during the off-season.
“Guess I’m on my best behaviour for 6 months,” he told his 1.2 million
Instagram followers, while adding the hashtag #detention.
In response to one user saying he should have been banned for life, the
Australian replied: “Well no not really. I’m chilling, relaxing. I’ll speak
when I want.”
The ATP opened a probe into Kyrgios following an explosive meltdown at last
month’s Cincinnati Masters which saw him smash two racquets, launch an
abusive tirade at the chair umpire before appearing to spit at the official
during a second-round match.
He was fined US$113,000 for ball abuse, leaving the court without
permission, an audible obscenity and unsportsmanlike conduct during his loss
to Russia’s Karen Khachanov.
Kyrgios, 24, has five days to appeal the suspended ban, but has yet to
indicate whether he will or not.
While he was penalised for the Cincinnati outbursts, he avoided further
punishment for calling the ATP “pretty corrupt” during the US Open after he
“clarified” his comment.
Kyrgios, who boasts a long list of misdemeanours, was scheduled to play the
China Open next week but pulled out on Thursday, citing a collarbone injury.
“I’ll be heading back to Australia to rest and recover. See you all soon,”
said the 27th-ranked firebrand after his first-round exit at the Zhuhai
Championships.