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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Nick Kyrgios pulls out of US Open

Nick Kyrgios pulls out of US Open

Published Aug 2, 2020 02:16 pm
Australian netter pleads with players not to be 'selfish'
Nick Kyrgios
Australia's Nick Kyrgios hits the ball during his Mexico ATP Open 500 men's singles tennis match against France's Ugo Humbert in Acapulco, Guerrero State, Mexico. (Photo by PEDRO PARDO / AFP)

An emotional Nick Kyrgios pulled out of the US Open Sunday, for "the hundreds of thousands of Americans who have lost their lives," while pleading with players who attend to not be selfish and act responsibly.

His decision follows fellow Australian and world number one Ashleigh Barty last week withdrawing from the Grand Slam in New York, citing "significant risks" from the coronavirus pandemic.

"Dear Tennis, I will not be playing this year at the US Open. It hurts me at my core," Kyrgios, who has consistently called out fellow competitors for not taking the virus seriously enough, said in a video posted on Twitter.

"But I'm sitting out for the people, for my Aussies, for the hundreds of thousands of Americans who have lost their lives, for all of you."

More than 150,000 people have died from COVID-19 in the United States, with over 4.5 million infections since the beginning of the pandemic.

The opinionated Kyrgios, ranked just 40 but a major drawcard, last month blasted the ATP as "selfish" for pressing ahead with plans for the US Open, which is scheduled to start on August 31.

He tempered criticism of organisers in a passionate letter read during the video, saying he had "no problem" with it being held, citing the need to keep people such as restaurant workers, cleaners, and locker room attendants in work.

But Kyrgios had strong words for some of the top names in the game, in a veiled jab at those who took part in Novak Djokovic's recent ill-fated Adria Tour exhibition, where there was minimal social distancing and players went nightclubbing.

"Tennis players, you have to act in the interests of each other and work together," said the Australian.

"You can't be dancing on tables, money-grabbing your way around Europe or trying to make a quick buck hosting an exhibition -- that's just so selfish.

"Think of the other people for once, that's what this virus is about. It doesn't care about your world ranking or how much money you have in the bank. Act responsibly."

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ATP US Open Nick Kyrgios WTA
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