Australian tennis star, Nick Kyrgios has pulled out of the Tokyo Olympics, after fans were banned from the tournament due to a surge in Coronavirus cases.
On Thursday, July 8, it was announced that there will be no fans inside stadiums for the Tokyo Games after a state of emergency was declared in the host city.
The Games will still go ahead, beginning on July 23 and ending on August 8, but Kyrgios will not be taking part, as he cited the lack of fans and also admitted he ‘wants to get his body right’.
The 26-year-old got to the third round of Wimbledon last weekend but had to withdraw from his match against Felix Auger Aliassime with an abdominal injury.
Taking to social media on Thursday night, Kyrgios said: ‘Hey guys – I just want to let you know that I’ve decided to withdraw from the Olympics.
‘It’s a decision I didn’t make lightly.
‘It’s been my dream to represent Australia at the Olympics and I know I may never get that opportunity again.
‘But I also know myself.
‘The thought of playing in front of empty stadiums just doesn’t sit right with me. It never has.
‘I also wouldn’t want to take an opportunity away from a healthy Aussie athlete ready to represent the country.
‘I will also take all the time I need to get my body right. Good luck to all the Aussies competing and I’ll see you back on the court real soon.’
