Tennis Australia’s has been criticised for defending Nick Kyrgios, who made a sexual slur about the 19-year-old girlfriend of his opponent.

Kyrgios – embroiled in yet another storm after on-court sledges to Stanislas Wawrinka in Montreal – was offered the “full support” of the tennis governing body in a brief statement they issued Friday.

The 20-year-old Australian, referring to fellow youngster Thanasi Kokkinakis, told Wawrinka: “Kokkinakis banged your girlfriend. Sorry to tell you that, mate.”

Wawrinka, who split with his wife in April, is reportedly dating 19-year-old Croatian tennis player Donna Vekic.

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But on the same day that he was fined the maximum amount – US$10,000 by the ATP – and slammed by the players body, Tennis Australia’s statement raised eyebrows.

“Nick Kyrgios has apologised to all involved for his comments on court in Montreal yesterday and deeply regrets his actions,” the statement read.

“Tennis Australia is working closely with Nick and his team to provide the best possible support; we understand how important it is to help educate and influence him both on and off the court.

“Appropriately the ATP, as the governing body in this case, has issued the maximum fine and continues to review and work through this situation with Nick and his management.”

It did not take long for the criticism to come in.

@TennisAustralia disappointing weak response. He is not a role model 4 current & future generation of our talented players. Show leadership

— Tomasz Oczapowski (@tee1000) August 14, 2015

@TennisAustralia @ATPWorldTour Pathetic. Unless suspended he’ll do it again. You’re going soft on bullying.

— Jason Hoogland (@h00gs) August 14, 2015

TA’s response was in stark contrast to a strongly worded statement from the ATP Players Council, that was issued to New York Times writer Ben Rothenberg.

“On behalf of the players’ council, we would like to publicly condemn Nick Kyrgios’ comments towards Stan Wawrinka,” it read.

“Comments like these have no place in our sport and have been met with endless criticism from the larger player body.

“Nick’s comments were disrespectful, not only to Stan, but to the other players referenced.

“We understand that sometimes things are said mistakenly under tense circumstances, but Nick’s comments are indefensible.

“We fully support the ATP in their fining of Kyrgios and anxiously await word on further repercussions for him once a more complete investigation has been done.”

Earlier on Friday, Kyrgios’ brother, Christos, was booted off breakfast radio for making further offensive comments about the saga on Triple M.