Nick Kyrgios takes up ATP's offer of 'care plan'

Controversial Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios can heave a sigh of relief as his ATP Tour ban is expected to be slashed.

Kyrgios was handed over a eight-month suspension and fined for more than USD 50, 000 by the ATP after a bizarre straight-sets loss at the Shanghai Masters.

However, the ATP had said that it would reduce the ban to three weeks if the Australian engaged a sports psychologist.

The sports' governing body has revealed that Kyrgios is receiving treatment despite the denials from Kyrgios's management and Tennis Australia to speak up on the issue.

"Nick has taken up the care plan on offer to him from the ATP. The details and contents of the plan are strictly confidential," the ATP was quoted as saying by the Guardian.

The ban announcement comes after a probe into Kyrgios' performance against German Mischa Zverev in a second-round match in which he fell 6-3, 6-1 in 48 minutes and appeared to give up on a number of occasions.

During the match, Kyrgios lobbed a serve over the net and walked off the court before Zverev fired a winner.

Later on, after the crowd began booing him, he engaged with them and told his fans if they knew what they were talking about.

With the likely easing of the suspension, it appears that the 21-year-old would be allowed to compete again from the week beginning on November 7.