Novak Djokovic says Nick Kyrgios has "life lessons to learn" after being punished for his behaviour at the Shanghai Masters.

Kyrgios received a fine of US$16,500 from the ATP having appeared to give up in his surprise second-round defeat to Mischa Zverev.

The Australian, ranked 14th in the world, became involved in a verbal altercation with a supporter and, despite later issuing an apology for his performance on Twitter, was unrepentant in his post-match news conference.

And Djokovic, having beaten Vasek Pospisil to set up a meeting with Zverev in the last eight of the ATP 1000 event, was disappointed to learn of Kyrgios' latest transgression. 

"I haven't seen what he has done, but I heard," the Serbian told the media.

"Well I haven't heard great things. We're kind of used to it when Nick Kyrgios is the context of conversation, not many great things are spoken about him lately. 

"I'm sorry to hear that because I share the opinion of many players and many people in the tennis world that he is one of the greatest talents the game has seen lately and he's got huge potential. 

"He's been doing well, he's around 15 [sic] in the world so you've got to give him credit for that, but on the other hand obviously he has life lessons to learn and he is still relatively young so hopefully that is going to happen."

World number one Djokovic is the defending champion and a three-time winner of the event in China.