Australia's bad boy of tennis Nick Kyrgios, whose tantrums have seen him slide in world ranking as his play declined, said he wouldn't take part in the Tokyo Olympics, partly because fans won't be allowed to attend events because of COVID-19.
Already delayed a year, the games are going on instead of being pushed back another year even though they will be held during a State of Emergency that will run through Aug. 16 and keep people away from watching them live.
In a statement posted on Twitter, Kyrgios wrote: "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,” he said, reported CNN and other media.
He reached number 13 in the world in 2016 but has plummeted to 56th with erratic play and bad behavior hurting him despite world-class talent.
Australian officials announced his selection, but Kyrgios was uneasy about playing without anyone watching him.