Nick Kyrgios will get professional help, reducing his ATP ban from eight weeks to three, according to Tennis Australia (TA).

The governing body of the men's tour slapped Kyrgios with an eight-week suspension for his lack of competition during a match at the Shanghai Masters.

But the suspension could be reduced to three weeks if he "enters a plan of care under the direction of a Sports Psychologist, or an equivalent plan approved by ATP".

Sorry, this video has expired Nick Kyrgios chastised for lack of effort in Shanghai

TA said it backed the ban and confirmed Kyrgios would take the latter route, allowing him to return to competition from November 7.

"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," a TA statement read.

"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."

The 21-year-old, for his part, apologised on Twitter after the offending match against Mischa Zverev and did so again in a statement after the ATP handed down its sanctions, which included an additional US$25,000 fine.

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

"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."

In a statement on his website, Kyrgios said he was looking forward to returning in 2017.