Divisive Aussie tennis star Nick Kyrgios has blasted Australia over an absence of “respect” all through his profession, figuring out it as the primary cause he doesn’t play Davis Cup tennis.
Australia made the ultimate of the 122-year-old crew occasion which it has received 28 instances, however not since 2003 when Lleyton Hewitt, Mark Philippoussis, Todd Woodbridge and Wayne Arthurs mixed to defeat Spain.
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Until 2022, Australia hadn’t as a lot as made the ultimate since then.
But regardless of Kyrgios’ snub of the match, the crew of Alex de Minaur Thanasi Kokkinakis and Jordan Thompson in addition to doubles specialists Matt Ebden and Max Purcell took Australia to the decider earlier than dropping 2-0 to Canada.
Kyrgios hasn’t performed within the Davis Cup since 2019.
The Canberran was coming off the season of his life nonetheless, making the Wimbledon last, successful the Australian Open doubles with Kokkinakis and taking out the singles and doubles in Washington helped elevate the 27-year-old to World No. 22, the highest ranked Aussie.
But nonetheless no Davis Cup return.
Ahead of the Diriyah Cup, his last match of the yr, Kyrgios has blamed Australia for skipping the crew match.
“Maybe if Australia embraced me a little bit more, I would play it and bring home the trophy,” he instructed AAP.
“But who knows?
“It’s not always easy for me to erase everything in Australia that’s said negatively about me or my family.
“You don’t need that – so it’s interesting that they really want me to play, but are always criticising.”
Kyrgios is a lightning rod for criticism, usually arguing with umpires throughout matches, abusing his personal field, having beforehand been accused of tanking and being one of the outspoken members of the tour.
He has additionally underperformed up to now regardless of possessing one of many extra full video games in world tennis, irritating followers who need to see him realise his unbelievable potential.
However, after years of battling seemingly battling himself, Kyrgios claimed he had “always held up my fair share of the bargain towards Australia”.
“I feel like this is the first year I’ve earned respect when it should have been given when I first came on tour,” Kyrgios mentioned.
“I’ve represented (Australians), put them on the map, and having produced one of the most successful male years in the last decade for Australia, and am only just getting embraced (now).
“I don’t think that’s my fault.”
Kyrgios may also participate within the three-day Diriyah Cup for a assured six-figure pay cheque in Saudi Arabia together with the likes of Stefanos Tsitsipas, Cameron Norrie, Matteo Berrettini and Daniil Medvedev.
After a decade on the tour, Kyrgios mentioned he’s not within the sport for the week to week grind, preferring to spend time along with his girlfriend and household.
However, he additionally didn’t slam the door shut on the Davis Cup, saying he might have reconsidered if the match was in Australia.
