Nick Kyrgios fined yet again for offensive remark to Stan Wawrinka
Controversial Australian later says sorry for comment about Swiss player's partner
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Your support makes all the difference.Nick Kyrgios is counting the cost of his latest misdemeanour after the Australian was fined by the Association of Tennis Professionals for offensive remarks he made to Stan Wawrinka following their match at the Montreal Masters. Kyrgios also issued a public apology, but that is unlikely to stop the 20-year-old facing continued criticism after upsetting one of the most popular players on the men’s tour.
The incident came at the end of Kyrgios’ 6-7, 6-3, 4-0 victory over Wawrinka, who had retired in the third set with a back injury. “Kokkinakis banged your girlfriend,” Kyrgios told the Swiss, referring to his fellow Australian player, Thanasi Kokkinakis. “Sorry to tell you that, mate.”
Wawrinka, who left his wife earlier this year and has subsequently been linked with the Croatian player Donna Vekic, did not appear to hear what Kyrgios said at the time, but the words were picked up by an on-court microphone. The world No 5 was furious at his post-match press conference and called on the ATP to take action against Kyrgios.
“What was said I wouldn’t say to my worst enemy,” Wawrinka said on Twitter. “To stoop so low is not only unacceptable but also beyond belief.”
He added: “There is no need for this kind of behaviour on or off the court and I hope the governing body of this sport does not stand for this.” Magnus Norman, Wawrinka’s coach, said Kyrgios’ comments were “really, really low”.
In a post-match interview on court Kyrgios said that Wawrinka had been getting “a bit lippy with me”. However, he apologised on Facebook. “My comments were made in the heat of the moment and were unacceptable on many levels,” Kyrgios said. “In addition to the private apology I’ve made, I would like to make a public apology as well. I take full responsibility for my actions and regret what happened.”
According to the ATP rule book players can be fined up to $10,000 (about £6,400) for verbal abuse or unsportsmanlike conduct. The ATP, which organises the men’s tour and represents both players and tournaments, said that it had fined Kyrgios for his comments. “Further details on the fine will be made after that player has been notified,” a spokesman said.
Only last month Kyrgios was involved in a series of controversial incidents at Wimbledon, where he was fined nearly $10,000 after swearing loudly and throwing his racket. He was also booed by spectators after appearing to make little effort to win a game against Richard Gasquet following a dispute with the umpire.
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