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Kyrgios admits he may again cross the line

3 minute read

Australia's Nick Kyrgios says he has sought professional help for his behaviour but admits he may again "cross the line" again.

NICK KYRGIOS of Australia serves during the Men's singles final match of the 2017 China Open at the China National Tennis Centre in Beijing, China.
NICK KYRGIOS of Australia serves during the Men's singles final match of the 2017 China Open at the China National Tennis Centre in Beijing, China. Picture: Emmanuel Wong/Getty Images

Stung by a lengthy suspended ban, Nick Kyrgios has sought help from a psychologist to address his behaviour ahead of the ATP Cup but admitted he may still "cross the line".

Kyrgios claimed he was in a good space ahead of Australia's opening clash of the inaugural 24-team ATP Cup against Germany in Brisbane starting on Friday, saying the team environment brought out his best.

And the world No.30 will need to be on his best behaviour after starting 2020 with a huge suspension and fine hanging over his head.

In September he was slapped with a 16-week ban and $A37,000 fine for "aggravated behaviour" following an investigation by the ATP, suspended for six months.

While Kyrgios revealed he had sought professional to help keep his cool, the Australian No.2 admitted he may still resort to bad habits despite the ban threat.

"I've been seeing a psychologist ... (but) I am not thinking about it (suspended ban) at all," he said.

"I'm always going to go out there and play with emotion and if I do happen to cross the line, I cross the line.

"That's just how it is. But I feel good. I'm just ready to go tomorrow and that's it."

Kyrgios has had no shortage of run-ins with the ATP in the past.

Back in August he copped a record $A167,000 fine for eight offences including verbally abusing umpire Fergus Murphy and spitting towards the official at the Cincinnati Masters.

And in October 2016 the former world No.13 was hit with an eight week ban and $32,000 fine for a range of offences including "lack of best efforts".

Kyrgios admitted his behaviour could "get out of hand" after travelling months on end on what can be a lonely ATP tour.

But the 24-year-old claimed he felt at ease in the Australian team which will be led by world No.18 Alex de Minaur in Brisbane this week.

"I know when I'm in a team environment I'm not worried at all," he said.

"It's more so when I'm just travelling and it's been a couple of weeks in a row where things can get a little out of hand.

"But I'm not thinking about it (suspended ban)."

Australia will also play round robin matches against Greece and Davis Cup finalists Canada in a bid to qualify for the ATP Cup finals in Sydney.

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