Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from the inaugural United Cup. According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Kyrgios’ camp said the Australian tennis star suffered an ankle injury at the World Tennis League in Dubai. The inaugural United Cup kicks off on Thursday as Australia is scheduled to take on Great Britain.
Kyrgios, the top-ranked Australian men’s tennis player, was scheduled to face Cameron Norrie in Sydney on Thursday. Australia also shares the group with Spain, as Kyrgios and Rafael Nadal were scheduled to meet on January 2.
Just a few days ago, Nadal said that he was looking forward to playing Kyrgios as he felt a match like that would have been great preparation for the Australian Open.
The Australian team were not impressed by Kyrgios’ decision
In early December, Kyrgios competed in the Diriyah Tennis Cup in Saudi Arabia.
Last week, Kyrgios participated in the inaugural World Tennis League in Dubai. But there were no signs that Kyrgios would skip out on the United Cup. “We literally found out 10 minutes ago,” Australia United Cup captain Sam Stosur told the media.
Meanwhile, Alex de Minaur, who is now the highest ranked Australian men’s tennis player in the United Cup, gave a rather cold response when asked about Kyrgios’ retirement. “You know, I think it would be great if we just talked about this great team, we’re all here, we’re all happy to be here, we’re about to play a new exciting event, something new for all of us, The United. Bowl.
Let’s talk about it, it’s exciting. Everyone here is excited to play so we’ll have fun, it’s a great team around us and we’re happy to be here,» he said of Minaur of Kyrgios’ withdrawal.
Meanwhile, Kyrgios is signed up to compete at the Adelaide International 2, which begins on January 10. It remains to be seen if Kyrgios will at least play in Adelaide before the Australian Open.
