Tennis player Nick Kyrgios will seek to have an assault charge against him dismissed citing his mental health, Australian media reported on Tuesday.

Kyrgios’ lawyer represented the athlete during a court hearing in Canberra where the Australian player is charged with common assault.

The Wimbledon finalist, whose presence was not required during this essentially administrative hearing, was in Japan to take part in the Tokyo tournament.

Michael Kukulies-Smith’s lawyer has asked for an adjournment to allow Nick Kyrgios’ mental health to be assessed, according to several media outlets, including public broadcaster ABC and the Sydney Morning Herald.

Mr Kukulies-Smith said his client’s mental health problems were known and he would seek dismissal at a later date, according to media reports.

The case involving the 27-year-old tennis player is linked to an assault dating back to December 2021.

The world No 20, playing in his first tournament since losing in the US Open quarter-finals last month, said he had been dealing with the issue “for months” but was taking it “day by day”.

“There are just a few things I can control and I’m taking all the necessary steps to deal with them off the court,” Kyrgios told reporters in Tokyo.

“I’m here in Tokyo and I’m just trying to play good tennis, keep my momentum and do my job,” said Kyrgios, one of the most polarizing figures in tennis.

The next hearing is scheduled for February 3.