SYDNEY - Fiery Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios on Friday pulled out of the Rio Olympics, blaming "unwarranted attacks" on him by Australian Olympic chiefs after he was warned to behave.
Nick Kyrgios said playing for Australia at the Olympics had been a childhood dream and he was "extremely disappointed to have been put in this unfortunate position"
His decision follows fellow Australian Bernard Tomic withdrawing from the Games last month after widespread criticism about his recent on-court attitude and behaviour.
"Unfortunately, while I have expressed every intention of trying to win a medal for my country in Rio, it's very clear to me that the Australian Olympic Committee has other plans," Kyrgios said in a statement.
"AOC's unfair and unjust treatment of me over the last four weeks, as well as the organisation's crystal clear position on whether they want me to be a part of the Australian Olympic team, has solidified my final decision."
His bombshell announcement follows criticism by the AOC's chef de mission Kitty Chiller in March.
"When push comes to shove, I won't be afraid to discipline someone if they are not adhering to the standard we expect," Chiller said, referring to the two maverick players.
"I will be sending people home if they don't respect what they are part of."
Kyrgios said playing for Australia at the Olympics had been a childhood dream and he was "extremely disappointed to have been put in this unfortunate position".
"While I have received assurances from Tennis Australia that I will be nominated for the Olympic team, the AOC has chosen to publicly and privately disparage me," he said.
"Not one member of the AOC has reached out to me, my family, my team, or representatives of Tennis Australia, asking for a meeting or the opportunity to discuss their concerns.
"The AOC's unwarranted attacks on me demonstrate the organisation's inability to understand the circumstances surrounding highly competitive sports."
In the wake of Chiller's criticism, Tennis Australia publicly backed Kyrgios, saying he was making a concerted effort to improve his performance and behaviour.