Nick Kyrgios blasts 'selfish' organisers in US Open controversy
Nick Kyrgios has joined a chorus of high-players expressing doubt over their participation at Flushing Meadows after he lashed out at the ATP for “trying to make the US Open go ahead”.
Novak Djokovic caused a stir in the tennis world after admitting that as things currently stand, he would rather skip America's grand slam and focus on the French Open.
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The Serbian star says the safety protocols necessary for the US Open to go ahead are "extreme" and that limiting players to only coach would make it virtually "impossible" for him to compete.
But now, Kyrgios has joined the chorus of top ranked players casting serious doubt over their participation in the Grand Slam.
Kyrgios ripped into the ATP for trying to push for the Grand Slam to go ahead amid the current climate in the US.
The Aussie star, who is vocal about his advocacy for social issues, has thrown his support behind the Black Lives Matter movement recently.
The ATP is trying to make the US Open go ahead. Selfish with everything going on at the moment. Obviously Covid, but also with the riots, together we need to overcome these challenges before tennis returns in my opinion. https://t.co/tEHPvr4miB
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) June 11, 2020
Kyrgios made it clear in his tweet there are more important problems to deal with in the US in the current climate rather than organising the Grand Slam.
He even took the unusual step of tweeting Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic and asking if they think it was a good idea for the US Open to go ahead.
The US Tennis Association is expected to make a decision as soon as next week about whether to hold the US Open, which is scheduled to begin on August 31.
Do you think the US OPEN should go ahead? @RafaelNadal @rogerfederer @DjokerNole ?
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) June 11, 2020
Organisers are assessing safety measures for the tournament, which is scheduled to go ahead without spectators.
The US Open plans revolve around the creation of a safety bubble, similar to the plan in the NBA that will use Disney World as a quarantine hub for players.
Djokovic cops backlash for US Open stance
Kyrgios could become the latest high-profile player to cop backlash, after World No.1 Djokovic was panned for his view on travelling to the US.
The 17-time major winner is now under fire who are arguing that they need support for the grand slams to go ahead, not opposition.
Women's World No.52 Danielle Collins called out Djokovic for the hypocrisy in a passionate online response.
Collins, 26, implored the likes of Djokovic and Nadal to get behind the US Open push, rather than continually demonstrate their opposition towards it.
“If it’s safe to play, and the USTA, WTA and ATP do everything in their ability to prioritise the health of the players, I think we should support that,” Collins said.
“It’s easy when someone’s made $US150 million ($AUD 205m) throughout their career to try and tell people what to do with their money, and then turn down playing in the US Open.”
Defending champion Nadal is also not keen on travelling to New York, one of the cities hardest hit by coronavirus, in present circumstances.
