ATP set to cut Kyrgios ban after star seeks help

SYDNEY: Wayward Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios (pix) is seeking psychological help and his eight-week playing ban is set to be reduced, the ATP said Sunday.
The ATP earlier this month handed out a US$25,000 (RM105,037) fine and imposed a conditional suspension if the 21-year-old did not seek help following a tantrum at the Shanghai Masters.
The ATP said it would reduce the ban to three weeks if the volatile star engaged an approved sports psychologist.
The sport's governing body confirmed Kyrgios was receiving treatment as part of his rehabilitation.
"Nick has taken up the care plan on offer to him from the ATP. The details and contents of the plan are strictly confidential," the ATP said.
It now appears that Australia's world number 13 will be allowed to compete again from Nov 7.
But Kyrgios's season is over with no more tournaments scheduled for this year other than next month's World Tour Finals in London for which he did not qualify.
Should his ban be reduced by the ATP, Kyrgios is expected to begin the new season at the mixed teams Hopman Cup in Perth on Jan 1 ahead of the Australian Open in Melbourne.
The Shanghai outburst was the latest incident involving the Australian.
Last year he was given a suspended one-month ban for making comments to Stan Wawrinka about his girlfriend. — AFP