Nick Kyrgios has said that even though he has been included in the Australian squad for the Olympics in Tokyo, it was not certain that he could go because of a fixture clash.
He announced his decision after this round two victory over Gianluca Mager at Wimdledon and just days after Mr Kyrgios was named as one of eight debutants along with Ash Barty to be included in the 11-strong Australian Olympic tennis team.
Mr Kyrgios said that had also signed on to take part in an ATP tournament in Atlanta in the US that would be held at the same time as the Olympics and that he was keeping his options open.
“I’ve also entered Atlanta. I’m tossing up my options at the same time. I’ve heard some things about the Olympics, that are very tough, restrictions wise. No guests, none of that stuff,” Mr Kyrgios was quoted as saying by MSN sport.
READ MORE: Wimbledon: Kyrgios knocks out Humbert despite slip, Sakkari’s game gets suspended
In 2016, he was involved in a public dispute with the then Australian Olympic team chef de mission Kitty Chiller who had said that the player did not understand what it meant to be an Australian Olympian. In the war of words that followed, Mr Kyrgios made himself unavailable for selection. Australian Olympic Committee president John Coates said last year that Mr Kyrgios would be welcome in future Olympic teams.
The tennis player said this week that the dispute with Ms Chiller was over and that he would welcome an opportunity to represent Australia.
“If I choose to play, I feel like I’m part of the group, I’m more embraced now, which is good,” he said. “We’ve got a strong team, but I’m just trying to get through this (Wimbledon).”