Kyrgios vows to behave

Guess I’m on my best behavior for six months

NICK Kyrgios promises to in his best behavior in the next six months. AFP

SYDNEY, Australia (AFP) — Combustible tennis star Nick Kyrgios insisted he will be on his “best behavior” for the next six months after being put on probation by the ATP following a series of recent on-court outbursts.

The temperamental Australian was hit with a suspended 16-week ban on Thursday, which can be lifted after a six-month probationary period provided he meets certain strict criteria.

It includes seeking support from a specialist in behavioral management during the off-season.

“Guess I’m on my best behavior for six months,” he told his 1.2 million Instagram followers, while adding the hashtag #detention.

In response to one user saying he should have been banned for life, the Australian replied: “Well no not really. I’m chilling, relaxing. I’ll speak when I want.”

The ATP opened a probe into Kyrgios following an explosive meltdown at last month’s Cincinnati Masters, which saw him smash two rackets, launch an abusive tirade at the chair umpire before appearing to spit at the official during a second-round match.

He was fined $113,000 for ball abuse, leaving the court without permission, an audible obscenity and unsportsmanlike conduct during his loss to Russia’s Karen Khachanov.

Kyrgios has five days to appeal the suspended ban, but has yet to indicate whether he will or not.

While he was penalized for the Cincinnati outbursts, he avoided further punishment for calling the ATP “pretty corrupt” during the US Open after he “clarified” his comment.