Nick Kyrgios has revealed the reason behind his decision to not represent Australia in the Davis Cup this year and instead play exhibition tennis in Saudi Arabia for a seven-figure sum.
In an interview from the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh where he is currently competing, Kyrgios said the lack of ‘respect’ from the Australian public made it an ‘easy decision’ for him to snub the Davis Cup.
“Maybe, if Australia embraced me a little bit more, I would play it and bring home the trophy,” Kyrgios said in the interview.
The 27-year-old added that he felt he had ‘earned respect’ this year and ‘always held up my fair share of the bargain towards Australia.’
“I’ve represented them, put them on the map and… am only just getting embraced [now]. I don’t think that’s my fault,” Kyrgios added.
When asked whether he ever consider playing the Davis Cup again, Kyrgios couldn’t give a straight answer.
“Maybe, who knows?” he said.
The world No.22 hasn’t played in the Davis Cup since 2019.
He is a lightning rod for criticism, often arguing with umpires during matches, abusing his own box and being one of the most outspoken members of the tour.
Source: ABC News.
