Nick Kyrgios handed ATP Tour ban

Nick Kyrgios has been handed a three-week ban by the ATP Tour following his conduct at last week’s Shanghai Masters.

The Australian appeared to visibly throw one game during his second-round defeat to Mischa Zverev at Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena, while he also got into verbal exchanges with both the match umpire and a spectator.

The 21-year-old was initially fined $25,000 and banned for eight tournament weeks, but he has now had the suspension reduced to three weeks after agreeing to see a sports psychologist about his behaviour.

Kyrgios’ suspension will now end on November 7 and the world number 14 has since released a statement apologising to everyone concerned, while also confirming that he is now hoping to focus on the upcoming 2017 season.

He said: “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.” The three-time ATP Tour winner was particularly apologetic towards the supporters and organisers in Shanghai, admitting that there was no excuse for his behaviour.

He continued: “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.”