SHANGHAI, China - Temperamental Australian Nick Kyrgios was fined $10,000 and lost another $21,085 in prize money on Wednesday after storming off midway through his first-round match in Shanghai, tennis officials said.
The 22-year-old, for whom this was just the latest in a string of controversies, was hit with the fine by the Association of Tennis Professionals for unsportsmanlike conduct, a spokesman said.
And he was not allowed to collect his prize money for taking part in the tournament because he failed to get signed off for a medical afterwards to prove he was unwell or hurt.
Kyrgios, whose Shanghai Masters is over after he also pulled out of his scheduled doubles match with Frenchman Lucas Pouille on Wednesday, apologised after walking off court on Tuesday after losing the first-set tie break to the American Steve Johnson.
In a statement he said that he had a "stomach bug" and had hurt his shoulder.
Meanwhile, the director of the Brisbane International said Wednesday he would welcome Kyrgios to his tournament with "genuine enthusiasm" even after the mercurial star's antics in Shanghai.
"I know the fans are going to come out to see him play, to see his incredible, special brand of tennis," said Brisbane director Geoff Quinlan.
Quinlan said he had not been told about any changes to Kyrgios' scheduled participation in the competition, to be held from December 31 to January 7.
"It's really too early to comment. I haven't had any official word," Quinlan told reporters. "I've got genuine enthusiasm and excitement to have him here. I can't wait for him to come."
Defending champions Grigor Dimitrov from Bulgaria and the Czech Republic's Karolina Pliskova are set to return to the tournament.
World number one Rafael Nadal, who defeated Kyrgios in the China Open final, and Andy Murray, ranked third, will also kick off their Australian Open preparations in Brisbane.
Quinlan said "yup, there has" when asked if there had been contact between the tournament and Serena Williams, who gave birth last month.
"Serena is more than welcome. The door is wide open," he added. "It'll be amazing, there's no denying that."
Australian Open organisers said Tuesday they were hopeful of a stunning return by defending champion Williams, who won the contest this year while pregnant.
The first Grand Slam of the year will be held at Melbourne Park from January 15 to 28