Tennis news | Lleyton Hewitt, Alex de Minaur react to Nick Kyrgios snubbing Davis Cub for Diriyah Tennis Cup
Lleyton Hewitt and Alex de Minaur have aired their frustration at Nick Kyrgios’ ongoing Davis Cup snub, claiming this year’s Wimbledon finalist made himself unavailable for the final to chase a six-figure payday in Saudi Arabia.
Hewitt’s team of Thanasi Kokkinakis, Max Purcell, Matt Ebden, de Minaur and Jordan Thompson courageously fought off Croatia to reach Australia’s first Davis Cup final in 19 years.
But first-time champions Canada clinched the title over Australia on Monday morning following victories to top-20 ranked players Denis Shapovalov and Felix Auger-Aliassime.
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Kyrgios surpassed de Minaur as the nation’s No.1 ranked singles player in September, while doubles titles at Washington, Atlanta and Melbourne Park alongside best mate Kokkinakis solidified his place as Australia’s top doubles player.
But the 27-year-old hasn’t played in the Davis Cup since 2019 – the same year he missed selection for “failing cultural standards”.
Instead of representing his country in the men’s team event, Kyrgios is preparing to play in the heavily criticised Diriyah Tennis Cup – a lucrative three-day exhibition event in Saudi Arabia where he is expected to pick up a six-figure appearance fee just for showing up.
He has also signed up to play in the World Tennis League in Dubai next month.
Despite a successful tournament for Australia, Auger-Aliassime secured the winning point for the North Americans when he downed de Minaur 6-3 6-4 in their singles tie.
Speaking afterwards, a “gutted” Hewitt was unable to explain why Kyrgios kept making himself unavailable for selection.
“I don’t know. You have to ask him. I can’t try any harder,” he said while adding that he “of course” approached Kyrgios about making a return.
“I try and come here with the best possible team we can field.”
De Minaur is also frustrated with his countryman.
“I have tried as well. [It’s] just wasn’t meant to be,” he said of luring Kyrgios to the tournament.
An eagle-eyed social media user also questioned whether Kyrgios’ exile was secretly referenced in a de Minaur Instagram post on Saturday.
In the post, de Minaur praised his Davis Cup teammates and said there was “no greater honour” than representing his country.
Kyrgios left a simple response: “About to go to Saudi for 6 figures actually.”
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