Nick Kyrgios has pulled out of the United Cup at the 11th hour, leaving his Australian teammates in disbelief.
On the eve of the event Kyrgios’ withdrawal was announced with his fellow Aussies only finding out moments prior to a media conference.
Kyrgios was due to front the press conference at Sydney Olympic Park, but those gathered were informed of his withdrawal the day before the event was set to get underway.
Kyrgios was due to take on Cameron Norrie in the first game for the Australian’s in Group D on Thursday evening. He cited several injuries as the reason behind his withdrawal.
Krygios reportedly suffered an injury in Dubai and won’t play until the Australian Open gets underway.
Australian players entered the press conference with Sam Stosur stating the players found out just before sitting down.
“We literally just found out 10 minutes ago,” Australian captain Stosur said.
Stosur said she had not spoken to Kyrgios since hearing the news of his withdrawal, nor would she comment on what it would mean for his Australian Open preparations.
Australian team members weren’t made aware of the reasons behind Kyrgios’ withdrawal, just that he wouldn’t be lining up.
United Cup organisers posted a statement on social media regarding the news: “Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from the United Cup due to injury.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.”
The Australian team is now de Minaur, Kubler, John Peers, Ajla Tomljanovic, Zoe Hives, Maddison Inglis and Sam Stosur.
Despite losing their number one player, Stosur remained confident the Aussies could reign supreme at the event.
“We have got amazing players on this team,” Stosur said. “Alex (de Minaur) is one of the best players in the world, Koobs (Kubler) has had an incredible year this year as well qualifying for a couple of slams so as far as the men’s team goes, we are in very capable hands still so I am not concerned that our chances are just diminished greatly or anything like that. We are out here to do everything we can possible to try and win this competition. It is not going to be easy, there are many great players here but we are ready to go and we are going to give it everything we’ve got.”
De Minaur wasn’t impressed when asked for his take on Kyrgios’ withdrawal, biting back at questions in the hope the focus would be on the team taking the court.
“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 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.”
The Australian Open is due to get underway on January 16.