Troubled Kyrgios eyes more time off next year

Troubled Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has indicated he will play fewer tournaments in 2017 after his meltdown at the Shanghai Masters saw him slapped with an eight-week ban.

Published : Oct 19, 2016 11:41 IST , Sydney

World No. 14 Nick Kyrgios, who gave away points and swore and argued with fans before being booed off court after his second-round defeat in China last week, blamed his body giving up physically and mentally.
World No. 14 Nick Kyrgios, who gave away points and swore and argued with fans before being booed off court after his second-round defeat in China last week, blamed his body giving up physically and mentally.
lightbox-info

World No. 14 Nick Kyrgios, who gave away points and swore and argued with fans before being booed off court after his second-round defeat in China last week, blamed his body giving up physically and mentally.

Troubled Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has indicated he will play fewer tournaments in 2017 after his meltdown at the Shanghai Masters saw him slapped with an eight-week ban.

The World No. 14, who gave away points and swore and argued with fans before being booed off court after his second-round defeat in China last week, blamed his body giving up physically and mentally.

It led to the ATP ordering a $25,000 (22,700 euros) fine and the ban, which can be reduced to three weeks if the 21-year-old sees a psychologist, which Tennis Australia said he had agreed to do.

In a question-and-answer session on Twitter on Wednesday, the suspended star was asked what his goals were for next year. "More time off," he replied.

He was also questioned on whether he enjoyed playing tennis, to which he answered: "lol".

The Shanghai outburst was the latest incident involving the Australian. Last year he was given a suspended one-month ban for making comments to Swiss star Stan Wawrinka about his girlfriend.

If he goes through with his commitment to seek help for his temper, he could return to the tour on November 7, after the three-week ban.

But with no more tournaments to play then, his year is effectively over.

Asked on Twitter what his biggest win of the year was, he replied: "Just beat Ajla in a backhand to backhand game," referring to his girlfriend, fellow tennis player Ajla Tomljanovic, despite claiming titles in Tokyo, Atlanta and Marseille.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment