Greek tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas on Wednesday told rival Nick Kyrgios to “enjoy his holidays”, after the Australian stunned his team by withdrawing from the United Cup at the last minute.
Kyrgios pulled out of the mixed teams event on the eve of the inaugural tournament, to be held in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.
“It is not a surprise, I hope he enjoys his holidays,” Tsitsipas, the main talent on the eight-player Greek side in Perth, said.
World No. 22 Kyrgios was scheduled to spearhead the Australian team, starting against Great Britain's Cameron Norrie in Sydney on Thursday night, but withdrew from the mixed-gender tournament ahead of Wednesday's team press conference.
Kyrgios was also due to play Rafael Nadal in the most eagerly anticipated matchup of the event when Australia meets Spain next week.
The 2022 Wimbledon finalist has reportedly been dealing with an ankle injury suffered in an exhibition tournament in Dubai last week and has prioritised his Melbourne Park campaign.
