Roger Federer believes Nick Kyrgios should be spared ATP suspension for chair-throwing Rome outburst

Frustrated: Nick Kyrgios argues with tournament umpire Gerry Armstrong in his match against Casper Ruud in Rome
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Standard Sport17 May 2019

Roger Federer does not believe Nick Kyrgios' chair-throwing outburst that led to him defaulting his second-round match at the Italian Open on Thursday warrants a suspension by the ATP.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion suggested a fine and points penalty should be punishment enough for Kyrgios' ill-tempered display.

ATP officials said the 24-year-old would be docked €20,000 (£17,477) for unsportsmanlike conduct over the incident, as well as forfeiting 45 ranking points and €33,635 in prize money.

The Australian exploded during his match against Norway's Casper Ruud in Rome.

After being handed a game penalty in the deciding set - apparently for swearing - the world No36 slammed his racket into the clay, kicked a water bottle then hurled a folding chair on to the court.

Qualifier Ruud said: "I'm sure I'm not the only one who thinks he should be suspended for at least half a year."

In 2016 Kyrgios was banned for eight tournament weeks and fined after walking off court midway through a match against Mischa Zverev at the Shanghai Masters.

During his press conference after winning two matches in Rome, Federer was asked if Kyrgios should be temporarily barred from competing for his latest controversy.

"I don't think he should be suspended, personally, because he walked off the court," said the Swiss.

"What did he do? He hurt a chair? I don't know. It's not enough for me. I don't know if he's on probation or not from his Shanghai thing or not, if that's the case then obviously maybe it can be looked into.

"But if that's run its course I don't think he should be suspended. I think a zero-pointer, a fine - all this stuff is already tough enough and he knows it's a mistake what happened."

Writing on Instagram, Kyrgios said Thursday had been "very eventful to say to the least".

He added: "Emotions got the better of me and I just wanted to say that the atmosphere was crazy out there today, just super unfortunate that it had to end in a default. Sorry Roma, see you again, maybe."

His antics in Italy came only 24 hours after he laid into the sport's biggest stars in an interview on the No Challenges Remaining podcast, saying he "could not stand" Novak Djokovic and calling Rafael Nadal "super salty".

Additional reporting by the Press Association

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