Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has admitted assaulting an ex-girlfriend but avoided a criminal conviction.

The 27-year-old's guilty plea in a Canberra court came after his lawyers failed to have the charge dismissed on mental health grounds.

Mr Kyrgios pushed Chiara Passari onto the pavement during a row in Canberra in 2021, the court heard.

The magistrate called the incident "a single act of stupidity or frustration" when sparing him a criminal record.

Mr Kyrgios released a statement after the ruling saying he was grateful to the court for dismissing the charges without conviction.

"I was not in good place when this happened and I reacted to a difficult situation in a way I deeply regret," he said.
 
"I know it wasn't OK and I'm sincerely sorry for the hurt I caused."