The world number 14 was accused of not trying when facing Mischa Zverev in the second round of the tournament, when he fell to a 6-3, 6-1 defeat.

At one stage the 21-year-old began walking back to his chair before a serve from Germany's Zverev had landed, while he also patted the ball over the net on several occasions.

Kyrgios also criticised fans and received a code violation for swearing during the match.

The Australian had already been fined $16,500 (£13,500/€15,000) for breaches of the ATP Code of Conduct, but has now been hit with an eight tournament week ban and an additional fine of $25,000 (£20,500/€22,700).

His sanction could be reduced to three weeks in the event Kyrgios works with a sports psychologist or has an equivalent plan approved by the ATP.

"Following the completion of its investigation into Nick Kyrgios' second round match last week at the Shanghai Rolex Masters, the ATP has announced that Kyrgios has been found to have committed the player major offense ‘Conduct Contrary to the Integrity of the Game,'" an ATP statement read.

"The offence means that Kyrgios receives an additional fine of $25,000, and is suspended from ATP tournaments for eight tournament weeks, effective from today, Monday, October 17, 2016, through to Sunday, January 15, 2017.

"However, the suspension will be reduced to three tournament weeks upon agreement that the player enters a plan of care under the direction of a sportspsychologist, or an equivalent plan approved by ATP, meaning Kyrgios could regain eligibility to compete on the ATP World Tour or Challenger Tour from Monday, November 7, 2016."

The sanction ends Kyrgios’ chances of competing at this year’s ATP World Tour Finals next month, an event featuring the top eight men’s players in the world.

He will also be unable to defend the Hopman Cup title he won with Daria Gavrilova at the start of next year, unless the suspension is reduced to three weeks.

Kyrgios would still be able to compete at the first Grand Slam of 2017 if he was forced to complete the full ban, with the Australian Open due to begin on January 16, the day after the suspension would end.

"Following the ATP’s decision today I would like to take this opportunity to apologise again for the circumstances in Shanghai," Kyrgios wrote in statement.

"The season has been a long one as I battled several injuries and other challenges towards the end of the summer.

"The Asian circuit was particularly tough after the long week and win in Tokyo and with the travel throughout the continent, my body finally just gave out in Shanghai both physically and mentally.

"This is no excuse, and I know very well that I need to apologise to the fans - in Shanghai and in other parts of the world - as well as the tournament organisers in Shanghai who do an amazing job.

"I of course know how important the fans are to the success of our sport and I personally love the interaction with fans in the many different cities throughout the world on the tennis circuit.

"I do understand and respect the decision by the ATP and I will use this time off to improve on and off the court.

"I am truly sorry and look forward to returning in 2017."

Kyrgios, winner of the Japan Open ahead of the Shanghai Masters, is considered one of world's most exciting young players, but has faced numerous disciplinary problems in the past.

He was fined last year for a foul-mouthed outburst while playing in Shanghai, while he also received a suspended 28-day ban for making a sexual comment about Stanislav Wawrinka's girlfriend during a match.

Kyrgios withdrew from consideration for selection the Australian team for Rio 2016 after a row over his behaviour with the Australian Olympic Committee.