20-year-old Nick Kyrgios has been handed a conditional fine of $25,000 and a conditional ban of one-month from ATP sanctioned events after the ATP has completed its review of his sledge of Stan Wawrinka during their Rogers Cup match. The fine was assessed as the ATP found Kyrgios guilty of “aggravated behavior”. In the match, Kyrgios said to Wawrinka, which the Aussie claims was in the heat of the moment, “Kokkinakis banged your girlfriend. Sorry to tell you that mate.” That remark, which was picked up by microphones earned Kyrgios a fine of $10,000.

The Aussie was fined another 2500 dollars for another comment he made which was, “He’s banging an 18-year-old.” Kyrgios won the match in the third set as Wawrinka was forced to retire due to a lower back injury which was hampering him after Wimbledon.

How can Kyrgios avoid the fine and suspension

As previously mentioned, the Aussie was placed on a conditional one-month (28 days) suspension from tour sanctioned events. The fine and suspension can be withheld however, if he meets the following criteria over the next six months:

  1. does not incur fines for any verbal or physical abuse at any ATP sanctioned event or
  2. does not accumulate fines totalling more than $5000 for any other offenses at ATP sanctioned events

Gayle David Bradshaw, who is the Executive Vice President of Rules and Competition for the ATP had this to say, “This incident was egregious and reflected poorly on our sport.” He also said that Kyrgios has expressed his regret, and that the best result for him was to learn from this incident and learn he is responsible to the Tour and its players for his actions and words.

Kyrgios has apologized to the Wawrinka, Donna Vekic (the girlfriend of Wawrinka), Thanasi Kokkinakis, and their respective families for “dragging them into something that wasn’t deserved for them.” Since the conditional fine and suspension are from the ATP, Kyrgios can still play at the US Open, which is an ITF event, as well as the Davis Cup. Australia’s Davis Cup captain, Wally Masur, has said that Kyrgios is still in his Davis Cup plans for their semifinal tie against Great Britain.