Nick Kyrgios accused of making Rafael Nadal Australian Open withdrawal all about himself: "That was the fear for me as well"

Australia’s tennis star Nick Kyrgios has been slammed by the fans on the social media for his post after the withdrawal of the former world number one Spain’s Rafael Nadal.

The 37-year-old announced on Sunday that he will not be taking part in the Australian Open 2024 after having some fitness issues during the recently concluded Brisbane International quarterfinal against Australia’s Jordan Thompson.

Kyrgios, who himself has been on the sidelines for more than a year after struggling with fitness concerns, posted about the development and stated that it is also a concern for him to not return too soon.

“Feel for Rafa man. Get better soon, that was the fear for me as well, coming back a little too soon…,” he wrote. That post did not go down well with the fans on the social media who claimed that Kyrgios once again made it all about himself.

Recently, Kyrgios announced that he will also miss the first Grand Slam of the year as he continue his recovery from fitness concerns.

“Hey guys, Nick Kyrgios here, obviously had a really tough year with injury, had that knee surgery and came back a little too soon (which) set me back a little bit, obviously had some wrist issues,” he said.

“So this is a very disappointing time for me but yeah I won't be able to compete at the 2024 Australian Open. Obviously heartbreaking, I've had so many amazing memories there and I just want to really get back to playing at the top of my game and doing it right and I need a little more time.

The former world number 10 continued saying: “I was so close to winning a grand slam, I want to make sure that my body is going to have the time it needs to come back so please bear with me.”