Tennis star Nick Kyrgios has been ruled out of the Australian team for next month’s ATP Cup after his world ranking slipped to number 46. He was not seen in action in the ATP circuit for the past one year over the COVID-19 concerns.
The last time Kyrgios played a competitive match was in Acapulco in February 2020. Since the COVID-19 outbreak, the sport was halted and 25-year-old decided to stay at home in Australia even after competitive tennis resumed in August.
However, Kyrgios is expected to play in Melbourne 2, one of two ATP 250 events being held alongside the ATP Cup.
The ATP Cup will be held from February 1 to 5 in Melbourne ahead of the Australian Open. The year’s first grand slam tournament, delayed by three week, will be staged from February 8 at Melbourne Park.
Australia’s challenge at the ATP Cup will be led by Alex de Minaur and John Millman who are ranked 23 and 38, respectively. The two singles slots allotted to each nation goes to the top-ranked players.
The draw for the ATP Cup will take place on January 20.
Di Minaur and Millman will be joined by doubles players John Peers and Luke Saville.
Australia will look to improve their result from last year’s inaugural tournament, finishing at the semifinal level.
“The players are looking forward to stepping up and representing their countries again, and the field, including defending champions Serbia and finalists Spain, is strong,” tournament director Tom Larner said.
“This is a format that shows off the passion of the players and we’re expecting some spectacular tennis action.”
(With inputs from agencies)
