Nick Kyrgios has explained his 11th-hour decision to withdraw from Australia’s United Cup campaign, admitting he wants to give himself the best chance of winning next month’s Australian Open.
Kyrgios caused a stir when he dropped out of the inaugural United Cup just 24 hours out from Australia’s first match after struggling to overcome a niggling ankle injury he suffered in Dubai the week before.
In an exclusive interview with The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age on Thursday night, Kyrgios spoke about how difficult it is to be competitive at a grand slam and why he is prioritising his own health over Australia’s chances at the United Cup.
“Anyone who plays professionally knows for sure,” Kyrgios said when asked if he felt people understood the level of planning that goes into preparing for a grand slam.
“Anyone outside of that wouldn’t have a great understanding. Going deep or not, winning a match at a grand slam level is not an easy task. People underestimate the pressure and the nerves with being a part of one of the biggest tournaments of the year.
“Throw in an injury and knowing you didn’t give yourself the best chance only adds to the mountain of pressure you face. So feeling good physically is important.”
Nick Kyrgios has spoken about his decision to pull out of the United Cup.Credit:Getty
Both Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley and United Cup tournament director Stephen Farrow jumped to the defence of Kyrgios after the news of his withdrawal surfaced on Wednesday.
The Herald reported that Kyrgios had informed tournament organisers as early as Christmas Eve that he was struggling with an ankle injury he picked up at last week’s exhibition tournament in Dubai.
He also hit the courts at Sydney Olympic Park on Tuesday to test out the ankle to give himself the best chance of playing. While he understands why some are cynical of his decision, he didn’t feel the need to defend himself.
“I was in contact with Craig and Stephen regularly about the situation,” he said.
Nick Kyrgios on the training courts on Tuesday.Credit:Tennis Australia
“We all worked together to try and get the best outcome. Not everyone is going to understand or see it from my side and that is okay. What my team and I can control is how we go about our business and make sure who needs to know, knows – and we leave it at that.
“It is obviously very difficult. It’s not ideal to have an injury at any time in the season, but that is the risk I run every time I step on court. I was working every day very closely with my team about my progression and speaking with William, my physio, after every session. I tried to be ready for it, but at some point you need to listen to the advice you’re receiving and do what is best.”
Kyrgios was to feature on Thursday’s opening night of the United Cup, scheduled to play against Great Britain’s Cameron Norrie on Ken Rosewall Arena. His withdrawal saw him replaced by Alex De Minaur as Australia’s No.1 male player.
While his omission is a huge blow for tournament officials, who relied on the box office drawcard to sell tickets, Farrow insists he has no reason to doubt Kyrgios’ health status.
“He left it to the last possible moment to confirm whether he was able to compete or not,” Farrow said.
“These things happen in tennis, especially when you’re two weeks out from a grand slam. This is a big event in its own right now.
“There’s $15m [US dollars] prizemoney and 500 ranking points. But as a player, you have to keep one eye on the grand slams. The fact he was here practising, he had every intention to play. Sadly, it’s not to be.”
Watch the United Cup live and free on the 9Network – Channel 9 and 9Gem. Every match will be available live on 9Now.
