MELBOURNE — Nick Kyrgios's lewd taunt to double grand slam champion Stan Wawrinka was part of a "journey" and a "learning curve" for a young tennis player who needs support more than punishment, Australia's Davis Cup captain Wally Masur said on Friday.
Kyrgios was fined $10,000 and sparked a global uproar after telling Wawrinka during a match in Montreal this week that Australian tour rival Thanasi Kokkinakis had slept with Donna Vekic.
Wawrinka has been romantically linked with the 19-year-old Croatian, who played mixed doubles with Kokkinakis at the Australian Open last year.
A furious Wawrinka demanded the ATP take action against Kyrgios, who later issued a public apology but faces the threat of suspension from the tour.