NICK KYRGIOS has withdrawn from the US Open over Covid-19 concerns and then blasted dancing, money-grabbing tennis stars during lockdown.
The Australian posted a video on social media explaining he would not be travelling to the US this month for the second tennis Slam of the year.
The world No.40 is the one of the highest-profile stars to confirm they won’t be playing at Flushing Meadows, following the women’s world No.1 Ash Barty.
Kyrgios said the decision “hurts me at my core” but he reminded “selfish” pros to not break any rules or bubbles in New York.
In an open letter, the 25-year-old said: “Dear Tennis, let us take a breath here and remember what is important, which is health and safety as a community.
“We can rebuild our sport and the economy but never recover lives lost.
“I’ve got no problem with the USTA putting on the US Open and if players want to go, that’s up to them so long as everyone acts appropriately and acts safely.
“No-one wants people to keep their jobs more than me.
“I am speaking for the guys who works in the restaurant, the cleaners, the locker-room attendants – these are people that need their jobs back the most and fair play to them.
“But tennis players, you have to act in the interests of each other and work together.
“You can’t be dancing on tables, money-grabbing your way around Europe or trying to make a quick buck hosting the next exhibition. That’s just so selfish.
“Think of the other people for once. That’s what this virus is about. It doesn’t care about your world ranking or how much money you have. Act responsibly.”
The US Open is scheduled to start behind closed doors at Flushing Meadows on August 31.
Kyrgios criticised Novak Djokovic for the “bone-headed” decision to host the Adria Tour this summer which resulted in a number of positive coronavirus tests, including for the world No.1 and his wife Jelena.
The Canberra star also slammed German Alex Zverev for dancing in a Monaco nightclub days after he had said he would be self-isolating at home.
He added: “To those players that have been observing the rules and acting selflessly, I say good luck to you. Play at your own risk – and I have no problem with that.
“I will not be playing this year at the US Open. It hurts me at my core not to be out there competing in one of the sports’ greatest arenas, Arthur Ashe Stadium.
“But I’m sitting out for the people, for my Aussies, for the hundreds and thousands of Americans who have lost their lives. For all of you. It’s my decision, like it or not. And those are my reasons.”
