Team Australia has suffered a blow less than 24 hours before the inaugural United Cup gets underway after Nick Kyrgios pulled out of the competition due to injury.
The Wimbledon finalist was scheduled to play on Thursday in what would also be the first time he has played on Australian soil since reaching his first Grand Slam final in the summer. Confirmation of Kyrgios’ withdrawal was published via a statement on social media. He had been practising on the courts in Sydney just hours before making his decision.
It is understood that the 27-year-old is currently nursing an ankle injury that he suffered whilst playing an exhibition match in Abu Dhabi last week. A member of Kyrgios’ camp has confirmed to The Sydney Morning Herald that his decision not to play is a ‘precautionary measure’ and he has been advised to rest ahead of the Australian Open which will begin on January 16th.
“Nick suffered an ankle injury while playing in Dubai and he has been advised by his team that he needs to take precautionary measures for two weeks leading into the Australian Open to give him the best chance at being fit and healthy,” a member of Kyrgios’ camp told smh.com.au.
“Australian Open is his priority, so we must do what it takes to make sure he is able to play at the best of his ability. He is disappointed that he can’t help the launch of the United Cup and fingers crossed he will get another opportunity next year to lead the team.”
Sam Stosur, who is the co-captain of the Australian United Cup team, told reporters that she hadn’t spoken to Kyrgios about his injury. The team found out about the withdrawal just minutes before they conducted their pre-tournament press conference.
“He was here. We literally just found out 10 minutes ago … so obviously news to all of us,” Stosur said.
“We just move forward now. We’re all happy to be here and keen to get out there.
“Now that’s out there and we move forward with the placings of the team and do our best on the day.
“As far as the men’s side of this team goes, we’re in very capable hands still.
“So I’m not concerned that our chances have just diminished greatly or anything like that. We’re out here to do everything we can possible to try and win this competition.”
Kyrgios was set for a mouthwatering showdown with Rafael Nadal in the coming days. The last time the two were set to lock horns also failed to happen after the Spaniard pulled out of their semi-final meeting at Wimbledon due to an abdominal injury.
As a result of the development, Alex de Minaur will move into the No.1 position in his team and play Cameron Norrie on Thursday followed by Nadal later in the competition. Meanwhile, world No.107 Jason Kubler will take over Minaur’s original place in the draw.
The United Cup will be held across three cities in Australia and has a prize money pool of $15M. The mixed event will also offer up to 500 ranking points for both ATP and WTA players.
