Nick Kyrgios said he pulled out of the inaugural United Cup to be fully fit for next month’s Australian Open, adding he didn’t expect everyone to understand the reasoning behind their decision.
Kyrgios, who is ranked 22nd in the world, was expected to lead Australia in the joint ATP and WTA event but pulled out of the tournament due to injury on Wednesday, taking his own teammates by surprise with the late announcement.
“People underestimate the pressure and nerves of playing in one of the biggest tournaments of the year,” said the Wimbledon runner-up. Kyrgios told The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald in an interview published on Thursday.
“Letting go of an injury and knowing you haven’t given yourself the best chance just adds to the mountain of pressure you’re dealing with. So feeling good physically is important.”
Kyrgios added that he had been in communication with Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley and United Cup tournament director. stephen farrow on his injury.
“We all worked together to try to get the best result. Not everyone is going to understand it or see it from my side and that’s okay,” Kyrgios said.
“…I worked very closely with my team on my progress every day and spoke with William, my physio, after each session. I tried to be ready for that, but at some point you have to listen to the advice you receive and do what is best.”
Alex de Minaur, who took over as the Australian men’s number one in place of Kyrgios, was beaten by Britain’s Cameron Norrie on Thursday.
Speaking after De Minaur’s loss, Australia co-captain Lleyton Hewitt said he was also unaware of Kyrgios’ withdrawal until Wednesday.
When asked how Kyrgios could improve his communication, Hewitt told reporters, “probably just by responding. That’s the normal way to do it. It took a little while (before he responded) .”
“It’s more just communication. If it was just to worry Nick, that’s one thing.
“When it comes to the team and the other people and preparing them to play the best they can before the Australian Open, that’s probably the hardest thing.”
Kyrgios, who is ranked 22nd in the world, was expected to lead Australia in the joint ATP and WTA event but pulled out of the tournament due to injury on Wednesday, taking his own teammates by surprise with the late announcement.
“People underestimate the pressure and nerves of playing in one of the biggest tournaments of the year,” said the Wimbledon runner-up. Kyrgios told The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald in an interview published on Thursday.
“Letting go of an injury and knowing you haven’t given yourself the best chance just adds to the mountain of pressure you’re dealing with. So feeling good physically is important.”
Kyrgios added that he had been in communication with Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley and United Cup tournament director. stephen farrow on his injury.
“We all worked together to try to get the best result. Not everyone is going to understand it or see it from my side and that’s okay,” Kyrgios said.
“…I worked very closely with my team on my progress every day and spoke with William, my physio, after each session. I tried to be ready for that, but at some point you have to listen to the advice you receive and do what is best.”
Alex de Minaur, who took over as the Australian men’s number one in place of Kyrgios, was beaten by Britain’s Cameron Norrie on Thursday.
Speaking after De Minaur’s loss, Australia co-captain Lleyton Hewitt said he was also unaware of Kyrgios’ withdrawal until Wednesday.
When asked how Kyrgios could improve his communication, Hewitt told reporters, “probably just by responding. That’s the normal way to do it. It took a little while (before he responded) .”
“It’s more just communication. If it was just to worry Nick, that’s one thing.
“When it comes to the team and the other people and preparing them to play the best they can before the Australian Open, that’s probably the hardest thing.”
