Lleyton Hewitt Not Ready To Excuse Nick Kyrgios for Leaving the Australian Team in a Slump at the 11th Hour

It had not even been a day since Nick Kyrgios had lashed out at his critics for bashing him throughout the year. Now, he again did something to fuel the criticism that has been coming his way. After leaving the Australian team at the Davis Cup, the Australian star left yet another team event.

Kyrgios’ last-moment withdrawal has left the Australian team paralyzed at the United Cup. And Hewitt is not ready to make excuses for him, no matter how valid Kyrgios’ reasons are.

Lleyton Hewitt bashes Nick Kyrgios after Alex De Minaur’s defeat

Nick Kyrgios was meant to spearhead the Australian team at the United Cup. However, his withdrawal created a change in the roster. Now, the charge fell upon Alex de Minaur. However, he could not get past the British player Cameron Norrie. During the post-match conference, Hewitt was asked about Alex de Minaur’s defeat. The former world no.1 had nothing but empathy for the player. However, when it came to Kyrgios, Hewitt did not go easy on him.

He said, “I was in the same boat as all the other players yesterday, so I didn’t know anymore.” Detailing the shock, he said, “It was pretty tough for everyone. It was more probably the lack of communication. And for these guys not knowing.”

Shifting to de Minaur, he said, “You know, I’m so proud of this bloke and the effort and how he makes playing for his country a priority. It’s something I’m very proud of him.” Gearing up for the next major match, Hewitt said, “He will come out in three nights’ time and I think be better for the run tonight against Rafa.”

READ MORE: ‘Pure Villain’ Nick Kyrgios Goes All Out Against Haters While Bragging About His Service to Tennis – ‘You All Look Really Ridiculous’

Concluding with a jab against Kyrgios, Hewitt said, “I think for the whole team it was pretty tough not knowing what was going on the last 24 hours.” But what led Kyrgios to withdraw from the tournament?

Why did Kyrgios withdraw from the United Cup? 

The Australian tennis star had an astounding season in 2022. Therefore, he wants to continue that streak at the upcoming Australian Open as well. Reaching the Grand Slam finals at Wimbledon has given him hope to win at his home major.

But for that to happen, Kyrgios felt it would be better to focus on recovery from the injury he suffered during an exhibition tennis event in Saudi Arabia. In an interview with The Age, he stated that winning a major is not that easy, and he does not want to risk anything before the start of the season.

WATCH THIS STORY: Nick Kyrgios’ uncontrollable rant at the chair umpire in the Miami Open 2022

Do you think it was fair for Nick Kyrgios to withdraw from the United Cup at the last moment? Let us know in the comments below.