Telling detail in Nick Kyrgios notes amid Olympic Games confusion
Nick Kyrgios has seemingly confirmed his intention to skip the Tokyo Olympics in some notes he posted on Instagram on Wednesday.
Kyrgios was at the centre of confusion last week when the Atlanta Open announced he would participate in their event - despite it running at the same time as the Olympics.
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Kyrgios was also named in Australia's 11-member tennis team for the Tokyo Games, but has since revealed he's undecided about whether or not to play.
But some notes he published on Instagram on Wednesday gave the clearest indication yet that Kyrgios won't be going to the Olympics.
The notes outlined Kyrgios' rehab and recovery strategy after he was forced to retire from Wimbledon with an abdominal strain.
But in the top right-hand corner of the page Kyrgios wrote: "Next tournament - Atlanta 250".
The Atlanta Open clashes with the Olympic tennis tournament and it would be impossible for Kyrgios to play both.
"Ever since I was a player I wanted to compete at the Olympics but I've also entered Atlanta as well," Kyrgios said at Wimbledon last week.
"I'm tossing up my options at the same time.
"I've heard some things about the Olympics that are very tough restrictions-wise. No guests, none of that stuff."
Nick Kyrgios 'tossing up options' ahead of Olympics
Kyrgios has barely played since the COVID-19 pandemic but enjoyed an encouraging buildup to the Games at Wimbledon.
Kyrgios said he felt more embraced by Australia's Olympic officialdom now than in the lead-in to Rio when former chef de mission Kitty Chiller sent him a 16-page letter detailing his instances of misconduct and asked him to respond before selection.
Kyrgios opted out of the Games, triggering a war of words with Chiller.
"Not having the outside noise and having Kitty Chiller tell me I don't deserve to be there when I was number 13 in the world - I mean, it was laughable," said Kyrgios.
"I went back and forth and I was younger back then and it got a bit personal. But it's good not to have that outside noise.
"If I choose to play, it's good that I feel like I'm part of the group and I'm more embraced now.
"We have a strong team but I'm just trying to get through (Wimbledon). I have a lot on my plate."
Australia's chef de mission Ian Chesterman said Kyrgios is welcome on the Olympic team.
"We'd still love to see Nick over at these Games. He knows he's welcome at these Games and I would still think it'd be a fantastic outcome for tennis and our team if he was there," Chesterman told reporters.
"But I understand and respect his decision, whichever way he goes.
"People have to believe they can perform under these different circumstances, so Nick will make his own decisions and we'll respect that.
"We have to acknowledge it's been a very difficult lead up for all athletes."
with AAP
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