Aussies back Nick Kyrgios to play in Davis Cup semi-final

Image: Nick Kyrgios looks on as he bites onto his chain against Wawrinka

Australia's captain Wally Masur says Nick Kyrgios is still in his plans for the Davis Cup semi-final with Great Britain.

Kyrgios has been fined - and faces further punishment - for his extraordinary sledge of Stan Wawrinka at the Montreal Masters.

Kyrgios was fined £6,405 after telling Wawrinka that his reported girlfriend Donna Vekic - the Croatian star - has had a previous romantic liaison with Aussie Thanasi Kokkinakis.

Donna Vekic played mixed doubles with Kokkinakis at the Australian Open last year.

Australia's Davis Cup captain Wally Masur has backed Kyrgios following his controversial comments

A furious Wawrinka demanded the ATP take action against Kyrgios, who later issued a public apology but faces the threat of suspension from the tour.

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Image: Nick Kyrgios hits a return against Stan Wawrinka

Pundits and top players, including world No 1 Novak Djokovic, have queued up to criticise Kyrgios but the response from Australia's tennis establishment has been supportive. And the Australian was roundly booed during Thursday night's defeat to John Isner.

Masur played down the sledge as "not confrontational" and said he was still in Australia's Davis Cup plans for their semi-final against Britain in Glasgow next month.

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Highlights of Stan Wawrinka v Nick Kyrgios in the Montreal Masters

"How punitive can you be? At what point do you start to move forward?" Masur told Fox Sports.

"Nick is paying a very heavy price financially, obviously the consequences will go beyond this week, for example amongst his peers on the tour, the ATP player council, they'll have their say.

"We're looking at a young kid, he's got enormous potential, he's a good kid at heart.

Image: Donna Vekic watches Wawrinka in action at Wimbledon earlier this year

"We're trying to put things in place behind the scenes that can make a difference and help Nick achieve that potential.

"Nick polarises opinion but there's been a lot of young prodigies come onto tour that have been exactly the same.

"Look at John McEnroe, he was the superbrat and ended up becoming one of the most loved players in the game.

"Nick is on a journey... this is all part of a learning curve."

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