Sydney (AFP)
Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios confirmed on Friday that he will not be competing in the Tokyo Olympics, which open in two weeks, saying the absence of spectators was a big part of his decision-making.
He had already left doubt about his participation in the Olympics when he abandoned the Wimbledon tournament on injury last week.
The 26-year-old, who was to represent Australia with ten other tennis players, also complained about the quarantine measures imposed by the Japanese authorities on the occasion of the Olympics and had made it known he did not want to participate if the public was not present.
"The idea of playing in a short void does not suit me. It has never been the case," said Nick Kyrgios (60th in the world) on social networks.
"I would not want to deprive a healthy Australian athlete of this opportunity to represent the country," he added.
Tokyo-2020 organizers and Japanese officials announced Thursday evening their decision to ban spectators from attending sporting events in the capital.
The public should be allowed at certain sites outside of Tokyo.
The Australian player, known for drawing great energy from the home crowd, said quitting the Games was not a decision taken lightly.
"It was my dream to represent Australia at the Games and I know I may never have this opportunity again, but I know myself," said the one who had already retired from the squad. of the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro because of a dispute with Australian officials over his behavior.
Ian Chesterman, vice-president of the Australian Olympic Committee and chef de mission for the Tokyo Olympics, said this week that he would respect Nick Kyrgios' decision, whatever.
© 2021 AFP