Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from the new $15 million United Cup just 24 hours before he was scheduled to play his opening match.
The 27-year-old arrived back in Australia recently after spending Christmas overseas and cited several injuries as the reason for withdrawing from the event, which will take place in Sydney.
“We literally just found out 10 minutes ago,” Australian captain Sam Stosur told media, saying she had not spoken to Kyrgios since his withdrawal was announced.
In the round robin format, Kyrgios was slated to face Great Britain’s Cameron Norrie and Spaniard Rafael Nadal.
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Australia’s highest-ranked players in the team event are now Ajla Tomljanovic (world No.33) and Alex de Minaur (world No.24).
Nine reported Kyrgios suffered an ankle injury while playing an exhibition tournament in Dubai last week.
United Cup organisers posted a statement on social media regarding the news: “Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from the United Cup due to injury. Alex de Minaur will move into the No.1 men’s position for Team Australia, and subsequently Jason Kubler moves into the No.2 spot.”
De Minaur delivered a cold response when asked about Kyrgios’ withdrawal.
“You know I think it would be great if we just talk about this great team, we are all here, we are all happy to be here, we are about to play an exciting new event, something new for all of us, The United Cup,” he said.
“Let’s just talk about that, it is exciting. Everyone here is excited to play so we are just going to have fun, it is a great team around us and we are just happy to be here.”
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Kyrgios remains set to play in the Australian Open next month, where he’ll be looking to follow on from a career-best year in which he made the final at Wimbledon and the quarter-finals at the US Open.
The former Australian Open quarter-finalist lost in the second round of the 2022 event to eventual finalist Daniil Medvedev.
Novak Djokovic – who defeated Kyrgios in the Wimbledon final – recently touched down in Adelaide, marking his first return to Australia since being deported for refusing to be vaccinated against Covid-19.
Djokovic is bidding to hoist a 10th Australian Open trophy and draw level with rival Rafael Nadal on 22 grand slam singles titles.
The United Cup will run from December 29 to January 8.
