Kyrgios tipped to be on the money for visit
NICK Kyrgios will provide “value for money’’ for Brisbane spectators in January despite his fourth failure to complete a match during 2017, tournament director Geoff Quinlan insists.
The ATP Tour is reported to be investigating reasons for Kyrgios’ retirement after losing the first set of his turbulent match in Shanghai on Tuesday, which the Australian said was due to a stomach upset rather than a protest against umpiring against him.
Kyrgios apologised to spectators in Shanghai and television viewers in a social media statement after the match, adding it should have been “pretty evident from the first point’’ that he was struggling to compete because of his illness and also shoulder soreness. If the ATP concludes his explanation is not convincing enough, he can be banned for several weeks for a code of conduct breach, as he was in Shanghai 12 months ago when he was found to have tanked.
But it is a difficult charge to be sustained against a player, especially considering the one set he played against opponent Steve Johnson was played to a tiebreak. It was the fourth time Kyrgios has been unable to finish a match in 2017.
Asked if Kyrgios has been guaranteed an appearance fee for playing the Brisbane International in January for the first time since 2013, Quinlan said such dealings were “commercial in confidence’’.
Promotable top-30 players such as Kyrgios are usually paid a five-figure amount to play an ATP 250 event.
“I know Nick will give great value, as he was during the Davis Cup (won by Australia at Pat Rafter Arena in April),’’ Quinlan said.
“I’m excited about Nick playing. It’s too early to comment (on any sanctions on Kyrgios by the ATP).’’