The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) announced a second-string squad for the upcoming Rio Oympic Games after their star players pulled out due to altercations with the board.
Country’s top male player Nick Kyrgios (World No. 18) had snubbed the Games after censuring the AOC of “unfair and unjust treatment”. This followed Bernard Tomic’s (No. 19) withdrawal, who cited busy schedule to steer clear after being accused of on-court misconduct on multiple occasions.
In the absence of Kyrgios and Tomic, 20-year-old Thanasi Kokkinakis will spearhead the challenge alongside 67th-ranked John Millman in the singles event.
Kokkinakis, who is recovering from a shoulder surgery, hasn’t played a match all through the season. He, however, will use his protected ranking of No. 81 to make the cut.
The men’s doubles event will see John Peers and Chris Guccione join forces. The duo has played just a solitary match together at the Savannah Challenger back in 2012.
The women’s squad will be headed by former U.S. Open champion Samantha Stosur (No. 16). She will be accompanied by 56th-ranked Daria Gavrilova in the singles division. The twosome will also join hands for the doubles event here.
The event is scheduled to be held from August 6-14 at the Olympic Tennis Centre, Rio de Janerio.
