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    Nick Kyrgios: Tennis star skips tournament to play NBA game

    By Henry Young, CNN

    Updated 1330 GMT (2130 HKT) October 20, 2016

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    His professionalism has been questioned by many but former world No. 1 Pat Rafter reckons his fellow Australian Nick Kyrgios has what it takes to reach the top of the world rankings.
    Photos: Kyrgios urged to see sports psychologist
    His professionalism has been questioned by many but former world No. 1 Pat Rafter reckons his fellow Australian Nick Kyrgios has what it takes to reach the top of the world rankings.
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    He made headlines in October when it emerged he will not be playing at the Rotterdam Open next February, instead taking time out to concentrate on his true passion -- basketball.
    Photos: Kyrgios urged to see sports psychologist
    He made headlines in October when it emerged he will not be playing at the Rotterdam Open next February, instead taking time out to concentrate on his true passion -- basketball.
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    Kyrgios was banned for eight weeks and given a fine of $25,000 for not trying in a match at last week's Shanghai Masters. The suspension will be reduced if he works with a sports psychologist.
    Photos: Kyrgios urged to see sports psychologist
    Kyrgios was banned for eight weeks and given a fine of $25,000 for not trying in a match at last week's Shanghai Masters. The suspension will be reduced if he works with a sports psychologist.
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    Kyrgios has one of the most devastating serves in the game. But trailing 3-1 and facing a break point in the second round, he simply tapped his serve over the net, began walking to his chair and let unheralded opponent Mischa Zverev hit a winner. He lost in 48 minutes and shouted at a fan.
    Photos: Kyrgios urged to see sports psychologist
    Kyrgios has one of the most devastating serves in the game. But trailing 3-1 and facing a break point in the second round, he simply tapped his serve over the net, began walking to his chair and let unheralded opponent Mischa Zverev hit a winner. He lost in 48 minutes and shouted at a fan.
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    Earlier this month Kyrgios and his fans in Tokyo were all smiles after he won the title in Japan. It was the third and biggest title of his career.
    Photos: Kyrgios urged to see sports psychologist
    Earlier this month Kyrgios and his fans in Tokyo were all smiles after he won the title in Japan. It was the third and biggest title of his career.
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    Kyrgios beat Belgium's David Goffin in the final, hitting 25 aces. He moved to a career-high 14th in the rankings and boosted his chances of qualifying for the ATP year-end finals.
    Photos: Kyrgios urged to see sports psychologist
    Kyrgios beat Belgium's David Goffin in the final, hitting 25 aces. He moved to a career-high 14th in the rankings and boosted his chances of qualifying for the ATP year-end finals.
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    It was indeed a great week for Kyrgios -- after controversy continued to follow him this year. Seven-time grand slam winner John McEnroe criticized him after Kyrgios retired hurt at the US Open.
    Photos: Kyrgios urged to see sports psychologist
    It was indeed a great week for Kyrgios -- after controversy continued to follow him this year. Seven-time grand slam winner John McEnroe criticized him after Kyrgios retired hurt at the US Open.
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    And after he lost to Andy Murray at Wimbledon in straight sets and in under 1:45 in July, McEnroe also ripped into the 21-year-old.
    Photos: Kyrgios urged to see sports psychologist
    And after he lost to Andy Murray at Wimbledon in straight sets and in under 1:45 in July, McEnroe also ripped into the 21-year-old.
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    Kyrgios said after the defeat to Murray that he didn't love tennis and said later in the season he planned on quitting tennis at the age of 27.
    Photos: Kyrgios urged to see sports psychologist
    Kyrgios said after the defeat to Murray that he didn't love tennis and said later in the season he planned on quitting tennis at the age of 27.
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    Kyrgios received a fine from the ATP last year after his lewd sledge aimed at the direction of Stan Wawrinka and his girlfriend during a tournament in Montreal.
    Photos: Kyrgios urged to see sports psychologist
    Kyrgios received a fine from the ATP last year after his lewd sledge aimed at the direction of Stan Wawrinka and his girlfriend during a tournament in Montreal.
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    However, Kyrgios can play and his week in Tokyo was devoid of any such controversy. Besides the victory in Japan, he has also won titles in Atlanta and Marseille.
    Photos: Kyrgios urged to see sports psychologist
    However, Kyrgios can play and his week in Tokyo was devoid of any such controversy. Besides the victory in Japan, he has also won titles in Atlanta and Marseille.
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    He did get the better of Murray at the Hopman Cup, an Australian Open warmup, in January.
    Photos: Kyrgios urged to see sports psychologist
    He did get the better of Murray at the Hopman Cup, an Australian Open warmup, in January.
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    Kyrgios owns wins over other members of the "Big Four," having dispatched Roger Federer in Madrid last year.
    Photos: Kyrgios urged to see sports psychologist
    Kyrgios owns wins over other members of the "Big Four," having dispatched Roger Federer in Madrid last year.
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    Perhaps his most memorable win came against Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon in 2014. Kyrgios -- a former junior No. 1 -- prevailed in four sets at the All England Club.
    Photos: Kyrgios urged to see sports psychologist
    Perhaps his most memorable win came against Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon in 2014. Kyrgios -- a former junior No. 1 -- prevailed in four sets at the All England Club.
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    Story highlights

    • Nick Kyrgios cancels contract with Rotterdam Open to play NBA showpiece
    • Tennis organizers admit basketball is his "biggest passion"

    (CNN)Tennis player Nick Kyrgios has pulled out of February's Rotterdam Open to take part in an NBA all-star celebrity game instead.

    Having long said his favorite sport is basketball -- admitting last year "I don't really like the sport of tennis that much" -- the world No.14 will take to the court in New Orleans, with Rotterdam tournament director Richard Krajicek confirming he will not stand in his way.
      "Unfortunately this All-Star weekend is the same weekend as the final in Rotterdam," tournament organizers told CNN.
      "For that reason Kyrgios has asked us if there was a possibility to allow him to play there. Since basketball is his biggest passion, we understand his dilemma, as this is truly an unique opportunity for him."
      Will Kyrgios ever capitalize on his talent? Have your say by tweeting CNN Sport.
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      Insouciance

      Kyrgios is not the first tennis player to take part in the showpiece; in last year's all-star game, Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonic played alongside Eugenie Bouchard.
      But the 21-year-old has announced his intentions just a week after he he was punished by the ATP for "Conduct Contrary to the Integrity of the Game," and two days after he released a statement saying he intended to "use this time off to improve on and off the court."
      The Australian has frequently courted controversy throughout his short career. He was fined and suspended for up to eight weeks for his behavior during a second-round defeat at the Shanghai Masters earlier this month.
      Hitting the ball apathetically and even walking to his chair before his opponent's serve had reached him, Kyrgios shouted at a fan who implored him to "respect the game," and was later urged to consult a sports psychologist for his perceived lack of effort.
      Novak Djokovic this week said he's "sorry to hear" the criticism of Kyrgios because he believes the Australian is "one of the greatest talents the game has seen lately."
      But not everyone in the sport has been so understanding.
      "You want to be the best? Come see me," tweeted former world No.1 Jimmy Connors.
        "You will learn to play, excite and to win! It's your choice ... or just be mediocre!"
        Whatever path the Australian chooses to take, the show must go on. Rotterdam organizers have confirmed a "field of players" comprising the likes of Stan Wawrinka and Rafa Nadal will still be playing, insisting "We believe that the fans will still be treated to excellent tennis."