Australian Cup co-captain Lleyton Hewitt has criticized Nick Kyrgios for dazzling his teammates on the eve of the event.
Kyrgios withdrew from the event moments before he was because of appear on the press conference, and the tournament director announced his withdrawal.
The Australian players were informed moments before taking the microphone and had no information as to why he was not playing.
Australia’s tennis boss Craig Tiley said on Thursday that Kyrgios is taking a “cautious approach to guard his ankle” and might be resting until the beginning of the Australian Open on January 16.
Alex de Minaur replaced Kyrgios and after losing the primary night to Briton Cameron Norrie, Hewitt said he was in the identical place as players who had no idea Kyrgios was out until the eleventh hour.
Hewitt praised de Minaur for all the time rising to the occasion when it got here to playing for his country, hitting from behind against Kyrgios, who had not played for Australia in several years.
![Nick Kyrgios at the November ATP Finals.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/12/kyrgios2.jpg?w=1024)
“I used to be in the identical boat as all the opposite players,” said Hewitt. “I didn’t know more (than others). It was quite difficult for everybody. More likely it was the shortage of communication and ignorance of those guys.
“I’m very pleased with the guy (de Minaur) and the hassle and the way he makes playing for his country a priority. It’s something I’m very pleased with. I believe it was hard for the entire team to not know what was occurring in the last 24 hours.”
When asked how Kyrgios could improve his communications, Hewitt said: “Probably just by answering. That is the conventional way of doing it. It took a while (before he replied). It’s more just communication. If that was all that frightened Nick, that is one thing.
“When it’s all concerning the team and other people and the way they prepare to play their best leading as much as the Australian Open, that is probably the toughest thing.”
![Lleyton Hewitt cheers for Australia during the United States Cup, December 30, 2022.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/12/hewitt.jpg?w=1024)
![Alex de Minaur playing in the United Cup](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/12/deminaur.jpg?w=1024)
Kyrgios’ withdrawal was met with dry scorn from a few of his ATP Tour rivals, including Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas.
“It is not a surprise, I hope he’s having fun with his holiday,” said Tsitsipas, the fundamental talent of the eight-man Greek team in Perth.
The pair had a tumultuous relationship that culminated at Wimbledon this 12 months when Tsitsipas said his Australian opponent had a “bad side” after a foul third round match.
Kyrgios stepped back on Thursday, saying he was doing more for the game as a promoter.
“Haha so after all of the media, journalism saying how bad I’m for the game, no respect for the sport (and) just pure villain, I’ll be primary on Netflix… to grow our fan base, mainly attempting to re-put tennis on the map,” he tweeted concerning the streaming show due out in January.
Kyrgios was scheduled to host a press conference at Sydney Olympic Park, but those present were informed of his withdrawal the day before the event.
![Nick Kyrgios playing in the World Tennis League, December 21, 2022.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/12/kyrgios.jpg?w=1024)
Despite swirling suggestions that Kyrgios simply downplayed the event, Australian great Wally Masur said on Thursday that Kyrgios’ injury management was a really legitimate excuse.
“I spoke to some players and he’s fighting injuries,” Masur told RSN. “He played some shows in the Middle East and a few players had concerns. I believe he practiced the day before and got here to the conclusion that the ankle just isn’t right.