INDIAN WELLS, Calif.—Neither Nick Kyrgios nor Bernard Tomic would be drawn into their recent Davis Cup controversy as they returned to competition at Indian Wells.
Tomic criticized Kyrgios for not playing during Australia's first-round Davis Cup tie against the United States last week. Kyrgios was not put on the team because of a virus he had picked up the previous week in Dubai. During his second singles match, Tomic questioned whether his teammate was actually ill, and said he had previously faked illness during a Davis Cup tie.
Writing on Twitter, Kyrgios responded by saying the comments had been in the heat of the moment, but also make some negative remarks about Tomic.
"We're friends," Tomic said following his opening-round win at Indian Wells. "I'd like to not talk about it."
Tomic noted that he had wrist problems and had played the tie.
"He was sick, it's different,” said Tomic. “That's all I can say.”
Kyrgios said Tomic had seen him before the tie and said he looked ill.
"I'm not really gonna say too much about it. I'm just a bit disappointed," said Kyrgios, who was warned for smashing a ball and was also heard swearing during his opening-round defeat.
Tomic said he required a scan and might withdraw from Miami with wrist problems. Tomic is No. 20 in the rankings while Kyrgios is No. 27.