Tomic too ‘busy’ to go to Rio

Tomic and Nick Kyrgios were warned by Australia’s Olympic chef de mission Kitty Chiller at the weekend that they were among a group of athletes whose behaviour was being monitored to judge their suitability for the Rio team.

“With a heavy sense of regret, I have made the difficult decision to not play with the Australian tennis team as they pursue an Olympic medal in Rio,” Tomic said in a statement. 

“I have always proudly represented my country in Davis Cup and given my all when wearing the green and gold. But on the basis of my extremely busy playing schedule and my own personal circumstances, I am regrettably unable to commit to this year’s tournament,” he added.

The 23-year-old had been heavily criticised following his exit from the Madrid Open when, on match point against Fabio  Fognini, he held the racquet by the strings and did not offer a shot to the Italian’s serve. 

Tomic responded to the criticism by telling News Corp ., “I don’t care about that match point. Would you care if you were 23 and worth over $10 million?”

Chiller, who described the response as “appalling”, said on Friday Australia would not twist anyone’s arm to go to Rio. 

“It’s his choice. We don’t force anyone to take part in the Olympic Games,” Chiller said. 

Earlier this week, the 21-year-old player said of the warning: “If you don’t want two of the best players in Australia to represent your country, so be it.”