Tennis: Kyrgios pulls out of United Cup as Nadal tips him for Slam breakthrough

SYDNEY – Nick Kyrgios stunned his teammates by pulling out of the United Cup on Wednesday, on the eve of the tournament, soon after Rafael Nadal said the Australian had “all the weapons” to win a Grand Slam.

The temperamental star withdrew ahead of the new mixed teams event in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth, depriving fans of a scheduled clash between him and the Spanish great. Instead, Alex de Minaur will face Nadal in a round-robin singles match.

Australia co-captain Samantha Stosur said they only learnt about Kyrgios’ withdrawal minutes before a scheduled team press conference.

“We literally just found out,” she said. “We move forward now and do our best on the day.”

The Sydney Morning Herald cited the Kyrgios camp as saying he suffered an ankle injury during an exhibition tournament in Dubai last week. United Cup organisers have also confirmed that he withdrew due to an injury.

Kyrgios practised in Sydney on Tuesday before deciding against competing in the United Cup.

The Australian’s potential has often been betrayed by his on-court behaviour, but he had a stellar season in 2022, reaching his first Grand Slam final at Wimbledon, before losing to Novak Djokovic. He was also agonisingly beaten in five sets in the US Open quarter-finals by Russia’s Karen Khachanov.

Kyrgios, who also opted out of Australia’s Davis Cup team in 2022, posted a video on Instagram later on Wednesday, where he was seen out in the sunshine at a harbour with the caption “Beautiful day”.

Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas said he hopes Kyrgios will “enjoy his holidays” and added that it is “not a surprise” that he has withdrawn.

Speaking before Kyrgios pulled out of the United Cup, Nadal, who has 22 Grand Slam titles, said the Australian could easily go all the way in a Major.

The Australian Open in January will be his first opportunity of the year, a tournament where the Spaniard is the reigning champion.

“I know he doesn’t like a lot to play Roland Garros, that’s the only tournament that looks like he doesn’t like to play that much,” said Nadal in Sydney.

“The rest of the tournaments, he played final in Wimbledon, in New York he was close with the quarter-finals I think, with a very positive chance.

“He can win in any tournament that he’s playing. He has all the talent, the weapons to win against any player. Of course, he can.”

Kyrgios told reporters earlier this week that he was “training well, enjoying it, mentally feeling good. That’s all that really matters”.

The Australian Open gets under way at Melbourne Park on Jan 16.

Nadal, meanwhile, also welcomed

Djokovic’s much-anticipated return to Melbourne Park

as “good for tennis”, while brushing off suggestions this may be his last tilt at the season-opening Grand Slam.

The 36-year-old, who recently became a father, won the Australian Open after nine-time winner Djokovic was detained and

deported ahead of the tournament

after refusing to get vaccinated for Covid-19.

Australia has since lifted its requirement for visitors to show proof of vaccination against Covid. The Serb arrived back in the country on Tuesday for the first time since being turfed out.

Nadal, who has one Slam more than Djokovic, said he was happy to see his superstar rival back.

“Novak is here, good for tennis, good for probably the fans,” the world No. 2 said. “Let’s see, no? Best players on court always win.”

Fifth-ranked Djokovic will begin his quest for an incredible 10th title at Melbourne Park at the Adelaide International from Sunday. AFP