Kyrgios to skip Rio Olympics

Nick Kyrgios will not compete at the Rio Olympics after standing down from his ongoing battle with team boss Kitty Chiller.

The controversial Australian tennis star said that while representing Australia at the Games had been a childhood dream, it had been made clear to him the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) had other plans.

“AOC’s unfair and unjust treatment of me over the last four weeks, as well as the organisation’s crystal clear position on whether they want me to be a part of the Australian Olympic team, has solidified my final decision,” Kyrgios said in a statement.

The 21-year-old’s withdrawal comes less than a month after Australia’s world No.22 Bernard Tomic also pulled out of the tournament, citing a hectic schedule.

Kyrgios thanked Tennis Australia (TA) for their support in the battle with the AOC, but regretted not receiving the same backing from those within the Olympic team.

“Not one member of the AOC has reached out to me, my family, my team, or representatives of Tennis Australia, asking for a meeting or the opportunity to discuss their concerns,” he said.

“The AOC’s unwarranted attacks on me demonstrate the organisation’s inability to understand the circumstances surrounding highly competitive sports.

“I also don’t want the AOC’s treatment of me to become a distraction and negatively affect the Australian Olympic team.”

TA last month backed the world No.19’s recent behaviour, and indicated he would certainly be put forward for selection by the body.

“Since the disciplinary action taken against Nick last year, he’s made a concerted effort to improve his performance and behaviour, and full credit to him,” TA president Steve Healy said.

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