Nick Kyrgios might not be returning to the tennis tour in 2016 after he suggested on Twitter that he may not seek the “professional advice” he had apparently committed to.

On Monday, the Australian was hit with an eight-week suspension and a $US25,000 ($A33,000) fine for his lack of competition during a clash at the Shanghai Masters.

The Association of Tennis Professionals [ATP] said the ban could be reduced to three weeks, though, if Kyrgios entered a “plan of care under the direction of a sports psychologist, or an equivalent plan approved by the ATP”.

The 21-year-old hothead’s frequent on-court outbursts are becoming a real issue for the tennis world.

Tennis Australia said in a statement on Tuesday that Nick had “agreed” to seek “professional advice”.

But that may not be the case according to the player himself.

In a question-and-answer session on Twitter that raised more issues than it answered, Kyrgios was asked if he would be seeing a psychologist, he responded: “probs not”.

Whether Kyrgios is joking or not remains to be seen, but his words are sure to be noticed by those at ATP headquarters.

Tennis Australia said on Tuesday: “Nick’s health and wellbeing is a priority and the ATP has offered a reduced penalty on the provision that he seeks appropriate professional advice, which he has agreed to do.

“Nick understands the gravity of his actions, has shown remorse and expressed a willingness to improve.

“We believe it’s our responsibility to help Nick, along with all our young athletes, improve both professionally on court as a player and personally.

“We have always offered assistance and advice to Nick and his team and will continue to do so.”

Kyrgios also said he was being drug tested because his performance in Shanghai was “too suspicious”.