ATP could suspend Nick Kyrgios

Nick Kyrgios (L) with Stanislas Wawrinka (file photo)

Australian Nick Kyrgios played 2014 Wimbledon champion Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland at the Rogers Cup earlier this week, and made disparaging, lewd remarks against the latter’s girlfriend which also involved his colleague and compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis.

The ATP has since served Kyrgios a “notice of investigation” for his behaviour in addition to levying a £6,400 on the Australian for his remarks. Although this is the only step the organisation has taken so far, a statement indicates it may not stop there.

According to the statement, the organisation has begun "a process to determine if his actions also constitute a violation of the Player Major Offence provisions set forth under 'Aggravated Behaviour' or 'Conduct Contrary to the Integrity of the Game'.”

It said that the “.... investigation opens up the possibility of further penalties which could include monetary fines and/or suspension from ATP events."

The chairman of the WTA, Stacey Allister, described Kyrgios’ statement as “crude and unacceptable”, but Kyrgios himself said he believed he had been reprimanded as much as was necessary, saying that he had “paid his fine, moved on.”

She continued, "I commend the ATP on assessing the on-site maximum fine and urge there to be further sanctions in accordance with their process."

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova also reacted strongly to Kyrgios’ recent behaviour, calling for the ATP to impose a harsher punishment on the 20-year-old Australian, who has been repeatedly pulled up for unsportsmanlike behaviour.