We may or may not have heard the last of Nick Kyrgios‘ now-infamous sledge, in which he told opponent Stan Warwinka that Thanasi Kokkinakis had “banged” his girlfriend during the Rodgers Cup in Montreal.
Following a review of his on-set conduct the Association of Tennis Professionals determined the young Aussie to be guilty of ‘Aggravated Behaviour’, a major offence for tennis players.
The ATP slapped the young Aussie player with a $US 25,000 fine and a 28-day suspension from top-level matches, but these punishments were suspended, and will only kick in if he stuffs up again.
Kyrgios has until February 24 to play nice, and if he is found committing any verbal or physical abuse in that time, or accumulates fines of more than $US 5000, the latest punishment will take effect.
Gayle Bradshaw of the ATP said essentially that Kyrgios is a naughty puppy who will have to have his nose rubbed in what he did so he will not do it again:
“This incident was egregious and reflected poorly on our sport. Nick has expressed regret, and the best result would be that he learns a lesson from this incident and that he understands he is responsible to the Tour and to fellow players for both his actions and his words. It is with these factors in mind I feel he should have the opportunity to ‘earn’ his way out of additional sanctions.”
Kyrgios has already paid a $US 12,500 fine in relation to the sledging, while Kokkinakis, who was unwittingly dragged into all this, was forced to have a few stern words with his mate.
I guess the ball is now …
… in Kyrgios’s court.
Photo: Maddie Meyer via Getty Images
