Australia’s number one tennis player Nick Kyrgios has pulled out of the running to play at the Rio 2016 Olympics, saying the Australian Olympic Committee’s (AOC) “unfair and unjust treatment” hardened his decision.

The 21-year-old’s withdrawal comes less than a month after Australia’s world No.22 Bernard Tomic also pulled out of the tournament, citing a busy schedule.

“It is with a heavy heart that I have had to make a decision not to compete at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro,” Kyrgios said in a statement.

“Coming to this decision has been a lengthy and difficult process, and I am extremely disappointed to have been put in this unfortunate position.

“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,” Kyrgios said in a statement on his website.

“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.

“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.

“I also don’t want the AOC’s treatment of me to become a distraction and negatively affect the Australian Olympic team.”

In a statement released on the AOC’s official website, Chiller said: “According to his website, Nick Kyrgios has made himself unavailable for selection on the 2016 Australian Olympic Team.

“At this point, Nick Kyrgios, or any other tennis athlete, has not been nominated for selection on the Australian Olympic Team. In regard to selection every athlete in contention is treated equally and fairly. We have no further comment on this issue.”

– TiVi Tuan-san