Nick Kyrgios Pulls Out Of The Rio Olympics, Cites ‘Unfair Treatment’

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Published

June 2, 2016

Nick Kyrgios has announced that he will not be going to Rio for the 2016 Olympics, citing what he describes as ‘unfair and unjust treatment’ by the Australian Olympic Committee over the past four weeks.

The fiery tennis star, known as much for his behaviour on and off the court as much as his tennis ability thanks to the fact no one seems to shut up about it, has been targeted by the AOC, with chief Kitty Chiller saying she would be “appalled” if he ‘threw a tantrum’ on the court at Rio.

Now it looks like he’s sick of the back-and-forth statements and questioning of his behaviour, so he’s outta the game.

This is his statement in full:

It is with a heavy heart that I have had to make a decision not to compete at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Coming to this decision has been a lengthy and difficult process, and I am extremely disappointed to have been put in this unfortunate position.

Representing Australia at the Olympic Games has been a dream of mine since I was a kid. Playing in the Olympics was a goal this year; I planned my tournament schedule around Rio and made sure to fulfil my Olympic eligibility. Unfortunately, while I have expressed every intention of trying to win a medal for my country in Rio, it’s very clear to me that the Australian Olympic Committee has 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.

While I have received assurances from Tennis Australia that I will be nominated for the Olympic team, the AOC has chosen to publicly and privately disparage me. 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. 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.

I am grateful to Tennis Australia for standing by me through this process and nominating me for the team. I also want to thank the public and the members of the media who have voiced their support.

I am a proud Australian and have always loved representing my country. I am fortunate to be young enough to hopefully have a chance to wear the green and gold at the Olympics in the future. I hope that in four years I will find myself in the position to be a part of the Australian Olympic team.

I would like to wish every athlete representing Australia the best of luck this August and will be following their progress and supporting and cheering them from afar.