Bernard Tomic has ruled himself out of the Rio Olympics due to an “extremely busy” playing schedule.

In a statement, the world number 22 said he would play an ATP tournament in Mexico instead.

“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 the 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.”

“I make this decision based on what is best for my tennis career,” he added.

Last week, Australia’s Olympic chef de mission Kitty Chiller called out the 23-year-old’s lax attitude over his match point against Fabio Fognini, when he held his racquet by the strings and did not offer a shot to the Italian’s serve.

The Queenslander 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 has described the response as “appalling behaviour” that “goes against every value that all the Olympians live by”.

“It’s his choice. We don’t force anyone to take part in the Olympic Games,” Chiller told reporters on the Gold Coast.

Tennis Australia’s board was due to discuss Tomic’s selection suitability next Monday.

– TiVi Tuan-san