Nick Kyrgios has been one of the most talked-about players heading into next week’s Australian Open. But he has confessed that he may not be well enough to compete in his home Grand Slam. Kyrgios has only played one ATP Tour match in the last two years. With a wrist injury putting his career in jeopardy. Nonetheless, he returned to competitive activity at the ATP 250 tournament in Brisbane last week.
He lost in a dramatic match to Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 7-6(2) 6-7(4) 7-6(3). He expressed some discomfort in his wrist during that match. But a more serious issue may impede Kyrgios’ recovery, as he admitted he has an abdominal condition. Kyrgios was forced to withdraw from an exhibition singles match against fellow tennis champion Novak Djokovic on Thursday night due to an abdominal injury.
The evening intended to generate funds for several children’s charities. Kyrgios had three rounds of surgery for his career-threatening injury. The 29-year-old is on the verge of missing the Australian Open for the third consecutive year. He has not played a Grand Slam match since the 2022 US Open. The injury also cast doubt on his participation in Australia’s upcoming Davis Cup encounter against Sweden on January 31.
Nick Kyrgios’ Fragile Body Threatens His Legacy
Kyrgios, who is unranked and has a protected ranking of No.21 at the Australian Open, has only played three matches this season. It was all at the Brisbane International. In his long-awaited singles return, he was defeated by French star Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, but he demonstrated his abilities in doubles with Djokovic, where the pair was eliminated in the second round.
Nick Kyrgios said, “Unfortunately, won’t be able to play my good friend Novak Djokovic this Thursday on the 9th as I’ve had an ultrasound on my abdominal and have a grade one strain. Will be resting and doing everything I can to be OK by the Australian Open.” However, 17-time Grand Slam doubles champion Mark Woodforde believes Kygrios should focus on making headlines on the court rather than in the media.
