Roger Federer urges ATP to not suspend Nick Kyrgios after latest controversy

ATP Tour
Nick Kyrgios sarcastic applause

Roger Federer has defended Nick Kyrgios, saying that it would be wrong to suspend him despite his latest high-profile tantrum at the Italian Open.

Kyrgios smashed a racket, threw a chair, and stormed off court, defaulting his match against Casper Ruud, after being involved with an angry altercation with a spectator.

The Australian has already had a two-month ban for ‘tanking’ at the Shanghai Masters, but Federer hopes they authorities take a more lenient view with him this time.

“I don’t think he should be suspended,” Federer said. “He walked off the court. What did he do? He hurt a chair? That’s not enough for me.

RELATED: WATCH: Nick Kyrgios smashes racket, throws chair, and quits Italian Open mid-match

“I don’t know if he’s on probation or not from his Shanghai thing. If that’s the case, then obviously you can maybe look into it. If that’s run its course, I don’t think he should be suspended.”

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