Nick Kyrgios accuses Lleyton Hewitt of “Throwing him under the bus” as Ajla Tomljanovic’s withdrawal isn’t criticized
The Australian star revealed his disappointment with team Australia co-captain Hewitt after being criticized for his United Cup withdrawal
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Nick Kyrgios and Lleyton Hewitt
World Number 22 Nick Kyrgios has claimed that Lleyton Hewitt had “thrown him under the bus” in relation to his recent withdrawal from the United Cup. Kyrgios had withdrawn from the tournament’s inaugural edition, being held in Sydney, shortly before team Australia’s first press conference, citing injury. Co-captain Hewitt claimed to be unaware of the injury. Kyrgios was duly criticized by fans and the press alike.
Kyrgios claims that he had tried his best to make it to the tournament. He said he had been working every day in the lead-up to the tournament to be fully fit for the United Cup. Kyrgios also says he had been in contact with tournament director Stephan Farrow about the situation, a claim Farrow backed.
Having already been 2-0 down on day one of the United Cup, Australia was further harmed by an injury to Ajla Tomljanovic before day two. Responding to a tweet by journalist Jose Morgado reporting the same, Kyrgios wondered if the reaction to her withdrawal would be similar to what he faced. Kyrgios wrote,” Mmm I wonder if Stosur will throw her under the bus as our captain did for me….. ‘hard to prepare when you don’t know what’s going on’ ??.”
Stosur, for her part, had said she had not had any communication from Kyrgios regarding his injury. Kyrgios spoke to the Sydney Morning Herald about his decision to withdraw. He said the pressure from picking up an injury before a Grand Slam is only understood by those within the sport. Kyrgios said feeling physically good is especially important to manage this pressure.
He says he worked closely with his team to monitor his progression and communicated with his physio after every session. Kyrgios will be hoping his focus on fitness pays off at the Australian Open. The 2022 Wimbledon finalist would be keen to make a deep run at his home tournament. However, his withdrawal negatively impacted team Australia at the United Cup.
Related Story: Craig Tiley comes to Nick Kyrgios’ defense over United Cup withdrawal
Team Australia struggle without Nick Kyrgios and Ajla Tomljanovic
Australia lost 3-2 to Great Britain on Friday. Entering the day 2-0 down, Harriet Dart finished the tie-off as she beat Maddison Inglis 6-4, 6-4. Inglis was only called up after Australia’s WTA number 1 Alja Tomljanovic was forced to withdraw before the match.
Following Nick Kyrgios’ withdrawal before the start of the tournament, Alex de Minaur faced off against Britain’s Number 1 Cameron Norrie. The Brit won 6-3, 6-3 to put his team 1-0 up. Katie Swan’s 6-4, 6-4 victory over Zoe Hives doubled Great Britain’s lead.
The Australians will have positives to take from the fixture, however. Jason Kubler defeated Dan Evans in the second men’s singles while Sam Stosur and John Peers clinched the mixed doubles tie. Australia will face Spain in their next Group D match.
Related Story: Fans support Nick Kyrgios as he take a dig at Australian media and critics
Related Story: Poor financial conditions could force Australian Open to move to China admits Director Craig Tiley
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