Nick Kyrgios ban to be cut after 'care plan' agreement

Nick Kyrgios' code of conduct breaches in Shanghai included "verbal abuse" of a fan

World number 13 Nick Kyrgios could have his eight-week tournament ban cut to three after agreeing to a "care plan".

The Australian was banned and fined for behaviour, including "lack of best efforts", at the Shanghai Masters.

The ATP confirmed the 21-year-old had "taken up the care plan on offer" but details are "strictly confidential".

If he completes the plan, Kyrgios can play from 7 November rather than the initial ban expiration date of 15 January 2017.

Kyrgios came under scrutiny after his 6-3 6-1 defeat by Mischa Zverev of Germany, in which he returned serves tamely and received a code violation for verbally abusing a spectator.

Tennis Australia has said it is "our responsibility" to help Kyrgios.

Last year, he was fined $1,500 (£1,230) for a foul-mouthed outburst while playing in Shanghai, China.

That came two months after he was given a suspended 28-day ban for making a sexual comment about Switzerland's Stan Wawrinka's girlfriend during a match.

Earlier this year, his attitude was questioned after he lost convincingly to British world number two Andy Murray in the fourth round at Wimbledon.