Kyrgios reacts to some calling out Nadal for withdrawing from the US Open but agreeing to play the Laver Cup.

Nick Kyrgios has come to Rafael Nadal’s defense after the Spaniard was called out for withdrawing from the US Open but accepting to play the Laver Cup as the Australian says there is nothing wrong even if the former world No. 1 agreed to go to Roger Federer’s event only because of money.

On Wednesday evening European time, 22-time Grand Slam champion Nadal confirmed what many feared would happen – he decided to pull out of the final Grand Slam of the season. And in his message, the 38-year-old claimed he probably wouldn’t be at his best there and therefore decided that the best thing to do was skip the event.

“Hi all, writing today is to let you guys know that I have decided not to compete at this year’s US Open a place where I have amazing memories. I will miss those electric and special night sessions in NYC at Ashe, but I don’t think I would be able to give my 100% this time. Thanks to all my US Fans in particular, will miss you all and will see you another time. Best of lucks to all for the always amazing US Open!  My next event will be the Laver Cup in Berlin,” Nadal announced on Wednesday evening.

While Nadal’s decision wasn’t surprising considering that he hinted during the Paris Olympics that it could happen, some took an exception with him signing up for an event that starts just 12 days after the US Open. And one person went as far as to accuse Nadal of “a money grab.”

“A fully fit Nadal has withdrawn from the @usopen but will play in the Laver Cup a couple weeks after the US Open with a huge appearance fee,” one fan wrote on X.

Kyrgios wasn’t a fan of that take, responding: “Can’t be upset at players taking money bro.”

Nadal gave a major indication that exactly this would happen

Before and during the Paris Olympics, Nadal was constantly asked about his retirement plans and that led to him losing his cool at one point and saying enough was enough. But before that, the 38-year-old shared that he was planning to take some time off after the Olympics to think about his next steps. That was when Nadal said missing the US Open was a big possibility but that his Laver Cup participation was a sure thing.

“Nothing is linear in this life. There are moments and states which normally go hand in hand with physical states. I try to enjoy and live what I feel at each moment,” Nadal said.

“Always with a positive vision of what my day-to-day is within my possibilities. After this, I am going to take some time to think carefully about what I need for myself as a person, what I really want to do. I will play the Laver Cup. After the Games, I will take some time to think carefully about what I need.”

And after suffering a second-round loss to Novak Djokovic, Nadal all but confirmed that he was out of the US Open.

“It looks like not but I’m going to let you know soon. For me now, I can’t give you a clear answer, I need some time. But for me it looks difficult,” Nadal said when asked about his chances of competing at Flushing Meadows.

Djokovic had a special message for Nadal

Even if Nadal never again plays except the Laver Cup, fans at least had a chance to watch him and Djokovic for one final time at this past Olympics.

When the match started, Djokovic was absolutely dominating and leading Nadal 6-1 4-0 before the Spaniard stormed back to tie the second set to four games apiece. But just when it started looking like the record 14-time French Open champion was about to pull off a major comeback, Djokovic won the next two games to complete a 6-1 6-4 win and get to 31-29 in their head-to-head.Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic© Getty Images Sport – Clive Brunskill

Later, 37-year-old Djokovic – who ended up winning the Paris Olympics – told Nadal he would like to see him continue his pro career.

“I just hope for the sake of our rivalry and the sport in general that we’ll get to face each other once or maybe a few times, on different surfaces, in different parts of the world, because I feel like it can only benefit the sport. I don’t know how he feels in his body, what his plans are, but let’s hope we can play some more,” Djokovic said.