Reuters
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Nick Kyrgios’ late withdrawal from the inaugural edition of the United Cup surprised his own teammates on Wednesday when they remained in limbo until minutes before their pre-tournament press conference.
Kyrgios, who is ranked 22nd in the world and reached the Wimbledon final this year, would lead Australia in the joint ATP and WTA event, which will be held in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth and will earn ranking points and $15 million in winnings. prize money offers. .
Organizers said the 27-year-old, who was due to face Britain’s Cameron Norrie in Group D on Thursday in his first singles match, pulled out due to injury.
“We literally found out 10 minutes ago. It’s clearly news to all of us and we’re just moving on now,” co-captain Sam Stosur told reporters.
Kyrgios, who opted out of Australia’s Davis Cup team this year, later posted a video to Instagram of him seen basking in the sun in a harbor with the caption “Beautiful day.”
Alex de Minaur, who is now moving into Team Australia’s first men’s position, wanted to avoid discussion about Kyrgios and focus on the upcoming event.
“I think it would be great if we just talked about this great team,” he said. “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.”
Australia also plays Rafa Nadal’s Spain in Group D.
The tournament, which runs from December 29 to Jan. 8, features 18 countries divided into six groups of three, with teams playing two men’s and two women’s singles matches and one mixed doubles.