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"The suspension will be reduced to three tournament weeks
upon agreement that the player enters a plan of care under the
direction of a sports psychologist..." the ATP said in a
statement.
The volatile 21-year-old has also been slapped with an
additional $25,000 fine for "conduct contrary to the integrity
of the game", which can keep him out of action until
mid-January.
Tennis Australia (TA) said Kyrgios, who issued a statement on
Monday to apologize for his behavior, has agreed to seek
professional help, which could see him return to court on Nov.
7.
"Nick understands the gravity of his actions, has shown remorse
and expressed a willingness to improve," TA said in a statement.
"We have always offered assistance and advice to Nick and his
team and will continue to do so."
The talented-yet-temperamental Australian was beaten 6-3 6-1 by
Mischa Zverev in a second-round match in Shanghai in which
Kyrgios put in a series of half-hearted serves and appeared to
be walking off court before the unseeded German had returned the
ball to him.
Kyrgios also clashed with a spectator before being booed off the
court. He was fined $16,500 by the ATP on Thursday.
ATP Executive Chairman and President Chris Kermode described
Kyrgios as a "phenomenal talent" and hoped the Australian would
use his time away from the game constructively.
"Nick's conduct in Shanghai was unacceptable, disrespectful to
the sport, and its fans," Kermode said.
"We take these matters very seriously, and he has since
apologized for his actions."
In his statement, Kyrgios promised to behave better when he
eventually returns to the court.
"Following the ATP's decision today I would like to take this
opportunity to apologize again for the circumstances in
Shanghai," 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."
(Reporting by Simon Jennings in Bengaluru; editing by Amlan
Chakraborty)
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