BREAKING: Aussie No. 1 Nick Kyrgios withdraws from the 2023 Australian Open
Title favorite and Australian No. 1 Nick Kyrgios is forced to withdraw from the 2023 Australian Open due to his knee injury.
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Nick Kyrgios
In a shocking turn of events, Nick Kyrgios has confirmed his withdrawal from the 2023 Australian Open. The Australian No. 1 was the 19th seed at the tournament this year. Following his brilliant 2022 season, many were looking at him as a title favorite as well.
Speaking with the press on Day 1 of the tournament, Kyrgios informed of his decision. His knee injury has forced him to pull out of the tournament on the very day the Grand Slam event began. The injury will require him to undergo arthroscopic surgery on his knee.
Kyrgios had been carrying the injury for a while now. His 2022 season was also cut short due to it. He had taken measures to be well-rested coming into Melbourne Park this year but things have gone south for him. Despite the practice match against Novak Djokovic and other training sessions, he had kept his silence on the injury which has now forced him out.
“I’m devastated, obviously. It’s my home tournament … it’s brutal. Obviously a mixture of emotions … that’s life. It’s part of the sport. I’m not doubting that I’ll be back to my full strength,” said Kyrgios in the press conference announcing his withdrawal.
Doubles title defense also ends for Nick Kyrgios
Along with his singles campaign, Nick Kyrgios‘ doubles title defense with childhood mate Thanasi Kokkinakis is also brought to an anti-climatic end. The Special K’s were a big crowd favorite last year and with their title gained more popularity. However, with Kyrgios withdrawing, they give up the title without even stepping on the court.
Apart from the opinion of many fans, even Kyrgios himself backed to go big at his home Slam this year. The injury is believed to be the same that had him withdraw from the 2023 United Cup as well. At the mixed-team event, he had pulled out at the last moment as he did in Melbourne Park.
Kyrgios was yet to play an official match this year and was hoping to start his season directly at the Grand Slam event. With surgery planned for him, he might be out till mid-February further affecting his season. The World No. 21 will not lose many points however as he had reached only the second round last year and won’t take a big hit on his rankings despite missing the tournament.
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Sarthak Shitole
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