Will Nick Kyrgios make it to Rio Olympics?

TennisAustralia's board has endorsed president Steve Healy's defence of Nick Kyrgios in the Rio Olympics selection debate, increasing the likelihood of a collision with the Australian Olympic Committee and its sceptical chef de mission, Kitty Chiller.

The revamped TA board, including new appointees Diane Grady, Elizabeth Minogue and Graham Bradley, met for the first time in Melbourne on Monday, with Kyrgios' suitability for Games selection among the issues discussed.

Healy, released the following statement: "The board fully supports the comments I made on Friday, and also sees no reason to change our existing selection process. The team selection panel is headed up by our performance director Pat Rafter, along with Fed Cup captain Alicia Molik and Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt."

The 21-year-old player used social media over the weekend to garner support from fans amid criticism of his behaviour by Australia’s Olympic chef de mission Kitty Chiller. Kyrgios declared his “fiery passion and intense competitiveness” are attributes “that represent the elite level of sport” when he stressed his desire to play in Rio. An earlier message directed at the chef de mission drew the ire of Chiller, who described it as “ill advised” and highlighted that “maybe he doesn’t understand what it means to be an Australian Olympian”.

Which appears to mean that, barring any poor behaviour between now and the nomination deadline of June 30, the governing body will be backing the controversial young star it believes has taken important steps to mature and mend his ways. Even if Chiller, it seems, is yet to be convinced. 

Healy also stated: "Since the disciplinary action taken against Nick last year he's made a concerted effort to improve his performance and behaviour, and full credit to him. It's unfortunate that he's been included unfairly in recent discussions on player behaviour that have not involved him.  His performances this year have been markedly improved and it's obvious he's showing more maturity ... Nick deserves the opportunity to concentrate on his tennis without any additional distractions."

Andy Murray apparently agrees. The world No. 2 said after defeating Novak Djokovic in the Rome Masters final that he "doesn't understand" why the Canberran's Olympic position is in jeopardy, given the recent improvement in his behavior.

Watch some of the match highlights here