The ATP has just fined and banned Nick Kyrgios, but according to its boss, Chris Kermode, they do not want just to punish the Australian, but they aim at helping him to cope with the pressure he is facing.
Kermode acknowledges that Nick was genuinely upset after his controversial behavior in Shanghai to state
“He was distraught about how he behaved. He is a young athlete with a huge amount of talent for whom the spotlight is sometimes too much.
The saddest part is that to the outside world it comes across that he doesn’t care. But it’s actually a defense mechanism to deal with the situation. He needs to channel that. A lot of it is immaturity but you learn through experience.
We took the view he needed to be suspended and there is also an obligation not to be just the policeman but to try and help as well.”
A beautiful statement from Chris, but it’s interesting to understand for how long the ATP is prepared to help.
Is it right for the ATP to defend Kyrgios?
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| IN DEFENSE OF THE BAD GUY |
