MELBOURNE — Australia's Davis Cup captain Wally Masur has described Nick Kyrgios's extraordinary sledge of two-time grand slam champion Stan Wawrinka as part of a "journey" and a "learning curve" for a young player who needs support more than punishment.
Kyrgios was fined $10,000 and sparked a global uproar after telling Wawrinka that Australian tour rival Thanasi Kokkinakis had "banged" the Swiss's girlfriend during their match at the Rogers Cup in Montreal.
Wawrinka has been romantically linked with 19-year-old Croatian player Donna Vekic, 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.