Nick Kyrgios suspended from ATP tennis until January 15 for conduct at Shanghai Masters

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James Benge17 October 2016

World number 14 Nick Kyrgios has been banned from tennis for eight tournament weeks after his conduct at the Shanghai Masters earlier this month.

The ATP has announced that Kyrgios had been found to have engaged in “conduct contrary to the integrity of the game” and as such will be unable to play in their tour’s events until Monday January 16 2017.

Kyrgios appeared to be putting little effort in to his 6-3, 6-1 loss to Mischa Zverev on Wednesday October 12, at one point walking over to his chair after hitting a serve. The Australian has admitted that he was “tanking” during the match.

Having already been fined £13,500 on Thursday the ATP have handed Kyrgios a further sanction of £20,500.

In a statement Kyrgios said: "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."

Kyrgios’ ban will be reduced to three tournament weeks if he agrees to enter a treatment plan with a sports psychologist. That would make the 21-year-old eligible to compete from Monday November 7.

ATP Executive Chairman and President Chris Kermode said: "Nick's conduct in Shanghai was unacceptable, disrespectful to the sport, and its fans. We take these matters very seriously, and he has since apologised for his actions.

"Nick is a phenomenal talent, and our hope is that he uses this time away from the tour constructively and, with some support, is able to return to competition with an improved mind-set and stronger than ever before."

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