Stefanos Tsitsipas aims a dig at Nick Kyrgios after leaving his country in uproar over his United Cup no-show as the Greek star continues his war of words with the bitter Wimbledon rival: ‘I’m NOT surprised’
- Stefanos Tsitsipas aims another dig at his arch-rival, Nick Kyrgios
- Kyrgios is a late withdrawal from the United Cup, which is scheduled to start tomorrow
- His non-appearance risks angering his Australian teammates in Sydney this week
- Tsitsipas said he was not surprised by Kyrgios’ no-show
Stefanos Tsitsipas couldn’t stop himself from crossing another Nick Kyrgios row following the Australian’s exit from the United Cup.
World No.22 Kyrgios was set to lead the Australian team, which starts against Great Britain’s Cameron Norrie in Sydney on Thursday night, but withdrew from the mixed-gender tournament ahead of the team’s press conference on Wednesday.
Kyrgios is also due to play Rafael Nadal in the most anticipated match-up of the event when Australia meet Spain next week.
Stefanos Tsitsipas aimed another dig at his arch-rival, Nick Kyrgios, on Wednesday afternoon
The 2022 Wimbledon finalist has reportedly dealt with an ankle injury sustained in an exhibition tournament in Dubai last week and prioritized her campaign at Melbourne Park.
However, his late withdrawal left Australia in turmoil, and his teammates were informed just 10 minutes before their press conference that he would not be joining them.
And according to Greek rival Tsitsipas, Kyrgios’ no-show is no surprise.
‘I don’t see it as a surprise. I hope he enjoys his holidays,’ he said.
Nick Kyrgios (pictured) pulled out of the United Cup teams event just a day before his scheduled opening match, citing the need to overcome injury ahead of the Australian Open
Kyrgios and Tsitsipas share a bitter rivalry that stems from their explosive round four clash at Wimbledon earlier this year. The Australian’s antics angered the Greek star as he was dumped. Kyrgios was defeated in the final by Novak Djokovic.
Team captain Samantha Stosur said she had not spoken to Kyrgios about his decision and would not be selected if he would be fit for the Open.
‘I’m not going to speak for Nick’s summer, we’ll have to leave that for him,’ Stosur told reporters.
World No.4 Stefanos Tsitsipas, who had a verbal bust-up with Kyrgios last year, was not surprised by his rival’s exit.
Tsitsipas said he wasn’t surprised Kyrgios didn’t show up and wished him a good holiday
‘I don’t see it as a surprise. I hope he enjoyed his holidays,’ Tsitsipas said in Perth.
With Kyrgios out, world No.24 Alex de Minaur will move into the No.1 men’s position for Team Australia and play against Norrie and Nadal, along with world No.107 Jason Kubler – the fifth-ranked Aussie male – who was promoted to No. 2 places.
De Minaur didn’t want to focus on Kyrgios, instead wanting to talk about the rest of the Australian team.
‘In the end we will just prepare,’ de Minaur told reporters.
‘We’ve got a great team and we’re all going to be out there doing our best.
‘So in the end the only thing that changes is the match-ups and that’s about it.’
The pair endured a hostile clash at Wimbledon earlier this year, with Kyrgios emerging victorious.
Kyrgios is set to represent Australia for the first time since the now-defunct ATP Cup in 2020, having sat out the Davis Cup for the past three years, as well as the Tokyo Olympics.
‘As the ‘Demon’ said, let’s just move forward. We’re all happy to be here and keen to get out there,’ Stosur said.
‘Now that (Kyrgios news) is out there we’re moving forward with team placements and doing our best on the day.
‘As far as the men’s side of this team goes, we’re still in very good hands.
‘So I’m not concerned that our chances are reduced significantly or anything like that. We’re here to do everything we can to try and win this competition.’
