Kyrgios out of Australian ATP Cup team as world ranking slips

Nick Kyrgios pays the price for a year of inaction over COVID-19 concerns.

Published : Jan 06, 2021 12:25 IST

Nick Kyrgios will next play in Melbourne 2, an ATP 250 event. - GETTY IMAGES
Nick Kyrgios will next play in Melbourne 2, an ATP 250 event. - GETTY IMAGES
lightbox-info

Nick Kyrgios will next play in Melbourne 2, an ATP 250 event. - GETTY IMAGES

Nick Kyrgios has paid the price for a year of inaction over COVID-19 concerns after he was ruled out of Australia’s team for next month’s ATP Cup after his world ranking slipped to No. 46 following a 11-month absence from the ATP Tour.

The 25-year-old last played a competitive match at Acapulco in February after deciding to remain at home in Australia when the circuit resumed in Europe and North America after a hiatus.

Each nation has two singles slots that will be taken by its top-ranked players and Australia’s challenge at the ATP Cup will be led by Alex de Minaur and John Millman who are ranked 23 and 38, respectively.

ALSO READ | Aus Open: Craig Tiley asks for patience with logistics and protocols

The duo will be joined by doubles players John Peers and Luke Saville as Australia looks to improve on its semifinal finish at last year’s inaugural tournament.

The ATP Cup will be held from February 1-5 in Melbourne ahead of the Australian Open, the year’s first Grand Slam, and the event will feature World No. 1 Novak Djokovic and second-ranked Rafa Nadal.

Strong field

“The players are looking forward to stepping up and representing their countries again, and the field, including defending champions Serbia and finalists Spain, is strong,” tournament director Tom Larner said.

“This is a format that shows off the passion of the players and we’re expecting some spectacular tennis action.”

The draw for the ATP Cup will take place on January 20.

Kyrgios, often branded “polarising” for his long rap sheet of indiscretions, had been a galvanising force in raising funds and awareness for Australian bushfire relief efforts during the ATP Cup last year.

He will now play in Melbourne 2, one of two ATP 250 events being held alongside the ATP Cup. Melbourne Park is also hosting two WTA 500 tournaments alongside the event.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment