In Canberra, Australia, where he grew up, the Wimbledon finalist is charged with common assault.
The court has been informed that tennis star Nick Kyrgios would seek to have an assault allegation dismissed based on his mental health.
Michael Kukulies-Smith, his attorney, went to court in Canberra, Australia to ask for a postponement so that a forensic mental health assessment could be compiled.
The case was continued by Magistrate Glenn Theakston until 3 February, when the Wimbledon finalist’s attorneys are anticipated to file a motion to have the accusation dismissed under a clause of the local criminal code.
The legislation allows magistrates the authority to dismiss a case if they are convinced that the accused is mentally ill, and addressing the allegation in this manner would be beneficial to both the community and the prisoner.
Since he was charged by police in his homeland in July, the 27-year-old Australian tennis star will appear in court for the first time in person in 2020.
The highest possible sentence for the charge of simple assault is two years in prison.
It refers to a January 2021 incident that was reported to local police in December of last year and allegedly involved his ex-girlfriend.
Mr. Kukulies-Smith informed the court that his client’s mental health history since 2015 justifies the application, noting the world number 20’s public declarations.
Kyrgios admitted on social media earlier this year that his performance in the 2019 Australian Open was one of his “darkest periods.”
“Isolated, depressed, pessimistic, misusing booze and narcotics…”
He stated on Instagram in February: “I was lonely, depressed, pessimistic, booze and drug dependent, and estranged from family and friends. I felt unable to communicate with or trust anyone. This was a result of my unwillingness to open up and lean on my loved ones, and my insistence on forcing myself to be optimistic step by step.”
Kyrgios has made more references to his mental health when explaining his struggles en route to the Wimbledon final and the US Open quarterfinals.
He described how he has been in “some extremely difficult mental situations” and “some terrifying places” off the court.
Tuesday before his play at the Japan Open, he stated that it was “not at all difficult” to concentrate on tennis despite the assault allegation hanging over him.
He told reporters, “I can only control so much, but I’m taking all the necessary precautions and dealing with it off the court.”
