Kyrgios hit with four-week ban for Wawrinka sledge

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Kyrgios hit with four-week ban for Wawrinka sledge image

Kyrgios has been found guilty of ‘aggravated behaviour’ after telling the Swiss veteran, ‘(Thanasi) Kokkinakis banged your girlfriend (Donna Vekic)’ during the pair’s second-round clash at the Rogers Cup earlier this month.

The 20-year-old has been widely condemned for his comments and was fined $10,000US at the time of the incident. 

But the ATP Tour handed down further penalties on Tuesday (AEST), imposing a further $25,000US fine and a 28-day ban, with both penalties suspended for six months.

In a statement the governing body confirmed the penalties will be lifted on February 24, 2016 provided Kyrgios:

1) Does not incur any fines for verbal or physical abuse at any ATP sanctioned tournament,

or

2) Does not accumulate fines totalling more than US$5,000 for any other offences at ATP sanctioned tournaments.

The fact Kyrgios showed contrition saved him from missing the final grand slam of the year - the US Open starting on August 31.

"This incident was egregious and reflected poorly on our sport," Gayle David Bradshaw, executive vice president of rules and competition at the ATP.

"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."

 

 

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