Suspended tennis star Nick Kyrgios hints at U-turn over plan to see sports psychologist

Nick Kyrgios has suggested he is unlikely to see a sports psychologist – even though it would see his eight-week tennis ban reduced. The 21-year-old Australian was recently suspended by the ATP for tanking during the Shanghai Masters earlier this month.

Kyrgios was suspended and fined $25,000 (£20,522) by the ATP after he was accused of deliberately under-performing as he tamely conceded the match to qualifier Mischa Zverev. The controversial star was trailing 3-1 in the first set when he deliberately hit a lacklustre serve and returned to his chair before the ball had even been returned over the net.

As part of his rehabilitation, Kyrgios agreed with the ATP that he would seek professional help. But in a Twitter Q&A on Wednesday morning (19 October), Kyrgios was asked if he intended to meet with a psychologist and he replied in a now-deleted tweet: "Probs not."

Kyrgios' ban will be reduced to just three weeks if he complies with the terms of the ATP. If he does not, however, then he will be not eligible to return to action until the start of the Australian Open in January.

Shortly after the ATP announced its suspension, Kyrgios revealed he intends to use the time away from the spotlight to "improve on and off the court".

"I would like to take this opportunity to apologise again for the circumstances in Shanghai. The season has been a long one as I battled several injuries and other challenges towards the end of the summer," he said in a statement.

"The Asian circuit was particularly tough after the long week and win in Tokyo and with the travel throughout the continent, my body finally just gave out in Shanghai both physically and mentally.

"This is no excuse, and I know very well that I need to apologise to the fans – in Shanghai and in other parts of the world – as well as the tournament organisers in Shanghai who do an amazing job."

At least two former greats have supported Krygios and said he has the potential to be No1 in the world if he improves his mental attitude, including Andre Agassi and Pat Cash.