SYDNEY, Dec 28 ― Australia's Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from the inaugural edition of the United Cup due to injury, organisers of the new mixed team event said today.

Kyrgios, who is ranked 22nd in the world and reached this year's Wimbledon final, was set to lead Australia in the joint ATP and WTA event, which is being held in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth and offers ranking points and US$15 million (RM66 million) in prize-money.

"Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from the United Cup due to injury,” organisers said in a statement without elaborating on the nature of the injury.

"Alex de Minaur will move into the number one men's position for Team Australia, and subsequently Jason Kubler moves into the number two spot.”

Kyrgios, 27, had been due to face Britain's Cameron Norrie in his first singles match on Thursday in Group D, which also features Rafa Nadal's Spain.

The tournament, which runs from December 29-January 8, features 18 countries split into six groups of three, with teams playing two men's and two women's singles matches and a mixed doubles match. ― AFP