Murray says Kyrgios needs guidance, not just penalties

Andy Murray has come to the defense of Nick Kyrgios during an interview with British newspapers in Shanghai, saying that the Australian needs more guidance, not just penalties.

"Whether a fine is the best way to discipline young players, I don't know.." Murray said. "I think sometimes players do need protecting as well. [Kyrgios] maybe needs to be guided a little bit better and I'm sure he will learn from that."

The 21-year-old Kyrgios acknowledged the world No. 2's comments:

Kyrgios has been banned from the sport until January 15 (the day before the Australian Open begins) and fined $25,000 (on top of the original $16,500) for tanking his 6-3, 6-1 loss to Mischa Zverev in Shanghai. If he agrees to complete "a plan of care under the direction of a sports psychologist or an equivalent plan approved by the ATP," he would be eligible to return on November 7.

Murray, who won the Shanghai title, believes that the pressure in the spotlight is the reason behind Kyrgios's erratic behavior.

"You don't want to see young guys who are in the spotlight, struggling and making mistakes, doing things that ultimately hurt them," Murray said. "In those situations he maybe needs to be guided a little bit better and I'm sure he will learn from this."