The Aussie is still seen as the problem boy by many. However, during the Coronavirus pandemic, Nick Kyrgios is trying to send the message to tennis fans and show that health is more important than a sport. Previously, he criticized tennis players for competing at exhibition tournaments with fans.
The big question was, if Kyrgios will compete at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati and the US Open or if he'll stand for his words and withdraw from both events. Now, we know the answer as the Aussie shared an emotional message in a video for UNINTERRUPTED and announced that he won't be playing at this year's US Open.
"Let's take a breath here and remember what's important, which is health and safety as a community. We can rebuild our sport and the economy but we can never recover lives lost. I have no problem with USTA putting on the US Open," Kyrgios admitted. "And if players want to go, it's up to them. So long as everyone acts appropriately and acts safely."
"Tennis players, you have to act in the interest of each other and work together. 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," said Kyrgios. "It doesn’t care about your world ranking or how much money you have. Act responsibly."
"I will not be playing this year at the US Open. It hurts me at my core. 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," Kyrgios said.