Novak Djokovic joins chorus of disapproval for Nick Kyrgios over Stan Wawrinka comments

Meanwhile, the public’s opinion of Kyrgios was made clear when he was jeered by spectators before, during and after his 7-5, 6-3 defeat by John Isner.

Stan Wawrinka with Djokovic (GETTY IMAGES)

The backlash has begun for Nick Kyrgios following his offensive comments to Stan Wawrinka. On a day which drove home the impact of his remarks at the Montreal Masters, the 20-year-old Australian was jeered by spectators, found the world No 1 joining his critics and learnt that he could yet be suspended from future tournaments.

The Association of Tennis Professionals, which runs the men’s tour, fined Kyrgios the on-site maximum of $10,000 (about £6,400). Kyrgios had told Wawrinka, in remarks picked up by an on-court microphone, that Thanasi Kokkinakis, Kyrgios’ fellow Australian, had slept with a player who is reported to be the world No 5’s girlfriend. Kyrgios was fined an additional $2,500 for a comment made to a ball person.

The world No 41 was also served with a “notice of investigation”, which is the start of an inquiry which will decide if his actions constitute a “player major offence” under provisions covering “aggravated behaviour” or “conduct contrary to the integrity of the game”. Further penalties could include additional fines and/or suspension.

Meanwhile, the public’s opinion of Kyrgios was made clear when he was jeered by spectators before, during and after his 7-5, 6-3 defeat by John Isner. When Isner served for the match Kyrgios became involved in a heated exchange with one spectator.

Novak Djokovic said at a post-match press conference that Kyrgios’ comments to Wawrinka had been “completely unnecessary”. The world No 1 added: “He was fined and he deserved it. He’s learnt a lesson in a hard way.”

Tennis Australia issued a statement saying that Kyrgios and his team needed “support”. Wally Masur, Australia’s Davis Cup captain, said Kyrgios’ comments had not been “confrontational” and stressed that the 20-year-old was still in his plans for next month’s semi-final against Britain in Glasgow.

“How punitive can you be? At what point do you start to move forward?” Masur told the broadcaster Fox Sports. “Nick is paying a very heavy price, financially. Obviously, the consequences will go beyond this week, for example among his peers on the tour, the ATP player council – they’ll have their say.”

Djokovic, who beat Jack Sock in the third round, was facing Ernests Gulbis last night in a high-quality quarter-final line-up. Isner was playing Jérémy Chardy, Rafael Nadal was facing Kei Nishikori and Andy Murray was due to meet Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

Murray went out of the doubles late on Thursday. The world No 3 and his partner, Leander Paes, were beaten 6-4, 7-6 by the Scot’s brother, Jamie, and the Australian John Peers, who were facing Djokovic and Janko Tipsarevic in last night’s quarter-finals.