Nick Kyrgios officially pulls out of the Tokyo Olympic Games

Kieran Francis

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Nick Kyrgios officially pulls out of the Tokyo Olympic Games image

Nick Kyrgios has confirmed his withdrawal from the Australian Olympic team competing at the Tokyo Games, citing the lack of crowds and his body as reasons for his decision.

The 26-year-old's choice to pull out of the event comes as no surprise, with the tennis star hinting that he wouldn't travel to Tokyo following his third-round Wimbledon retirement due to an abdomen injury against Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime.

Kyrgios had previously suggested the likelihood of no crowds at the Olympics would be a significant downside to him personally, with Japan confirming spectators would be barred from Tokyo events because of the COVID-19 surge in the capital.

When announcing his decision to withdraw, Kyrgios again reiterated his feelings about the absence of spectators, before revealing he wouldn't want to deny a fit Australian the opportunity to be an Olympian.

"Hey Guys - I just want to let you know that I’ve decided to withdraw from the Olympics," Kyrgios posted on Twitter.

"It’s a decision I didn’t make lightly. It’s been my dream to represent Australia at the Olympics and I know I may never get that opportunity again. But I also know myself. The thought of playing in front of empty stadiums just doesn’t sit right with me. It never has.

"I also wouldn’t want to take an opportunity away from a healthy Aussie athlete ready to represent the country. I will also take all the time I need to get my body right. Good luck to all the Aussies competing and I’ll see you back on the court real soon."

It's the second time Kyrgios has withdrawn from the Australian Olympic team, after failing to play in Rio 2016 following a dispute with the Australian Olympic Commission and chef de mission Kitty Chiller.

A replacement for Kyrgios in Tokyo is yet to be announced.

Australian Olympic Tennis Team for Tokyo

Ash Barty - Singles, doubles

Alex de Minaur - Singles, doubles

James Duckworth - Singles

John Millman - Singles, doubles

John Peers - Doubles

Ellen Perez - Doubles

Storm Sanders - Doubles

Luke Saville - Doubles

Samantha Stosur - Singles, doubles

Ajla Tomljanovic - Singles

Kieran Francis

Kieran Francis Photo

Kieran Francis is a senior editor at The Sporting News based in Melbourne, Australia. He started at Sportal.com.au before being a part of the transition to Sporting News in 2015. Just prior to the 2018 World Cup, he was appointed chief editor of Goal.com in Australia. He has now returned to The Sporting News where his passions lay in football, AFL, poker and cricket - when he is not on holiday.