Kyrgios eyes more time off in 2017 after ban

The world number 14, who gave away points and swore and argued with fans before being booed off court after his second-round defeat in China last week, blamed his body giving up physically and mentally. 

It led to the ATP ordering a $25,000 (22,700 euros) fine and the ban, which can be reduced to three weeks if the 21-year-old sees a psychologist, which Tennis Australia said he had agreed to do. 

In a question-and-answer session on Twitter Wednesday, the suspended star was asked what his goals were for next year. “More time off,” he replied. He was also questioned on whether he enjoyed playing tennis, to which he answered: “lol”. 

The Shanghai outburst was the latest incident involving the Australian. Last year he was given a suspended one-month ban for making comments to Swiss star Stan Wawrinka about his girlfriend.

If he goes through with his commitment to seek help for his temper, he could return to the tour on November 7, after the three-week ban. Asked on Twitter what his biggest win of the year was, he replied: “Just beat Ajla in a backhand to backhand game,” referring to his girlfriend, fellow tennis player Ajla Tomljanovic.