Nick Kyrgios says he’s unlikely to see sports psychologist in attempt to have ban reduced

Nick Kyrgios appears to have made a U-turn on his decision to see a sports psychologist.

Tennis Australia claimed Kyrgios had agreed to seek professional help in a bid to have his eight-week ban reduced for his conduct at the Shanghai Masters.

But when asked whether he was likely to pursue that option and hence reduce the suspension, the 21-year-old Australian said in a Twitter Q&A today: “Probs not”.

Kyrgios’s comment was in contrast to a contrite statement following the ban in which he apologised for his actions in his match against German Mischa Zverev.

He patted a serve over the net and began to walk off court as Zverev hit a return. After the match, Kyrgios said he did not owe his fans anything.

Kyrgios was later fined and banned for “conduct contrary to the integrity of the game”.

In another reply to a question on Twitter, Kyrgios was asked about his plans for 2017 and replied, “more time off”.

Should Kyrgios stick to his stance, it would mean not returning to action until just before the start of the Australian Open on January 15. Should he seek help, the ban could end on November 7.