Australia’s United Cup co-captain Lleyton Hewitt has taken a swipe at Nick Kyrgios for an apparent lack of communication over his late withdrawal from the team event.
Kyrgios confirmed his withdrawal from the event just 24 hours out from its commencement, citing a need to recover from an ankle injury and be at his best for the Australian Open in January.
His absence saw Alex de Minaur take up the mantle of Australia’s No.1 male player, but he fell in straight sets to British No.1 Cameron Norrie in straight sets in Sydney on Thursday night.
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Kyrgios pulls out of United Cup | 02:52
Fronting the media after de Minaur’s loss, Hewitt said he was left in the dark about Kyrgios’ status until the day before the tournament.
“I was in the same boat as all the other players yesterday,” Hewitt said.
“I didn’t know any more (than others). It was pretty tough for everyone. It was more probably the lack of communication and these guys not knowing.
“I’m so proud of this bloke (de Minaur) and the effort and how he makes playing for his country a priority. It’s something I’m very proud of him for. I think for the whole team it was pretty tough not knowing what was going on the last 24 hours.”
Kyrgios declined Australia’s invitation to play in the Davis Cup final against Canada earlier this year, which Australia lost.
Asked how Kyrgios could improve his communication, Hewitt said: “Probably just responding. That’s the normal way of doing it. There was a little while (before he responded).”
“It’s more just the communication. If it was just worrying Nick, that’s one thing.
“When it revolves around the team and other people and their preparation to be playing the best they possibly can leading into the Australian Open, that’s probably the hardest thing.”
Kyrgios explained his decision in an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald, emphasising it was all about prioritising his Australian Open campaign.
“Anyone outside of that wouldn’t have a great understanding (of the planning that goes into preparing for a major tournament),” he said.
“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.”
