Nick Kyrgios has confirmed he is seeing a psychologist but can’t guarantee he’ll behave himself despite entering the Australian summer of tennis under the threat of a lengthy suspension.
The combustible Australian was whacked with a 16-week ban and a $25,000 fine (both suspended for six months) by the ATP in September.
An ATP investigation found Kyrgios guilty of a pattern of bad behaviour culminating in his Cincinnati Masters meltdown that saw him hurl a chair onto the court after he was triggered by a fan.
If the world No.30 steps out of line on court before the end of March, his lengthy suspension and fine will be enforced.
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But despite being one misdemeanor away from disaster, the 24-year-old has declared he won’t tone down his antics in the inaugural ATP Cup starting on Friday.
“I’m always going to go out there and play with emotion and if I do happen to cross the line, I cross the line - that’s just how it is,” Kyrgios told reporters.
Kyrgios will make his return from a shoulder injury for Australia in the 24-team event.
He will play Jan-Lennard Struff at Pat Rafter Arena on Friday night, with Alex de Minaur to face world No.7 Alexander Zverev in the Group F battle against Germany.
The Canberran has played some of his best tennis in team events throughout his tumultuous career.
“I know when I’m in a team environment I’m not worried at all,” he said.
“It’s more so when I’m just travelling and it’s been a couple of weeks in a row where things can get a little out of hand.”
Meanwhile, Kyrgios on Wednesday pledged to donate $200 per ace he hits during the summer of tennis to help the victims of the bushfires currently ravaging parts of Australia.
He earlier called for Tennis Australia to organise an exhibition event prior to the Australian Open to raise funds for those affected by the unprecedented fires.
