Kyrgios wants apology from critics

Nick Kyrgios is looking for an apology from those who have criticised his withdrawal from the United Cup in Australia claiming the media has cast him as a ‘villain’.

“All the media saying how bad I am for the sport, disrespecting the game and just a pure villain, I am going to be the No.1 episode on Netflix… to grow our fan base, basically trying to put tennis on the map again,” Kyrgios wrote on Twitter.

“And essentially putting more money in everyone’s pockets that’s involved with tennis, you all look really ridiculous now.

“Your apology should be as loud as your disrespect was.”

Kyrgios was set to line up for Team Australia in Sydney today but is believed to sugaring from an ankle injury.

His late withdrawal forced a last-minute reshuffle, with Alex de Minaur promoted to top seed in Australia’s mens singles matches and Jordan Kubler brought in.

Organisers have offered fans free tickets to two of the other ties being played later in the tournament.

The withdrawal prompted reaction from arch rival Stefanos Tsitsipas, who said he hoped Kyrgios “enjoys his holidays”.