Bernard Tomic makes himself unavailable for Australia Rio Olympics squad
Friday 13 May 2016 08:13, UK
Bernard Tomic will not make himself available to represent Australia at this summer's Olympic Games in Brazil.
The 23-year-old says he made the decision because of his "busy playing schedule and my own personal circumstances".
The world No 22 was recently warned by Australia's Olympic Committee over his behaviour. At the Madrid Masters last week, at match point down to Italy's Fabio Fognini, Tomic held his racket back-to-front to play the final point.
Despite being heavily criticised for this, he told an after match press conference: "I don't care about that match point. Would you care if you were 23 and worth over $10 million?"
Instead of playing in Rio at the Olympics, Tomic will head to Mexico to contest a low-ranking event on the ATP Tour.
The Germany-born player said in a statement: "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.
"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.
"I make this decision based on what is best for my tennis career."
On hearing the news, Australia's Olympic chef de mission Kitty Chiller said: "It's his choice. We don't force anyone to take part in the Olympic Games.
"We only want people in our team who want to be there and are prepared to abide by what that team means.
"Bernard was on notice, that hasn't changed, now that he has withdrawn makes it irrelevant."
Australia's Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt believes Tomic will not have taken the decision lightly. The two-time Grand Slam winner added: "Scheduling can always be difficult in these circumstances.
"Bernie has always made himself available to play for Australia in the Davis Cup and he is very passionate about playing for his country."
