Nick Kyrgios suffers another injury setback as Australian Open campaign takes a big hit
The Canberra native has not recovered from an injury he picked up before the United Cup and doubts about his Australian Open participation are starting to emerge
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Nick Kyrgios
Nick Kyrgios has pulled out of the 2023 Adelaide International 2. The 27-year-old has not been able to recover from an ankle injury he picked up recently. This is the second tournament Kyrgios has withdrawn from after he withdrew from the United Cup in December, minutes before the first press conference.
Adelaide International released a statement regarding Kyrgios’ withdrawal. “The Adelaide International can confirm that Nick Kyrgios will not compete in Week 2 of the tournament. The Adelaide International wishes Nick Kyrgios the best of luck and a quick recovery, understanding the importance of the Australian Open preparation. He is welcome back to the Adelaide International anytime.”
Adelaide International tournament director Alistair MacDonald expressed his disappointment at the withdrawal but said he believed players should put their health first. Kyrgios’ decision came about after he was advised by his physio Will Maher to give his ankle more time to heal. It means the last time Kyrgios stepped on the court was in November at the ATP World Tour Finals.
The 2022 Wimbledon finalist’s withdrawal from the United Cup led to controversy. Team Australia’s co-captain Lleyton Hewitt had said he did not know about the injury, which had prompted Kyrgios to hit back. The loss of Kyrgios hit the team badly as they finished the tournament in 2nd place in Group D.
Kyrgios’ non-participation at Adelaide means that his first match of 2023 will be straight at the Australian Open. The Australian will face a race against time to return to fitness to be prepared for the first Grand Slam of the year. However, the message coming from his camp is a positive one.
Related: Fans support Nick Kyrgios as he take a dig at Australian media and critics
Nick Kyrgios’ manager says he will be ready for the Australian Open
Nick Kyrgios’ manager Daniel Horsfall has said they were in “no doubt” that the player would be ready for the Australian Open. He said that the team was working around the clock to ensure the tennis star was ready for the tournament and was very excited about it.
Horsfall has also taken aim at critics who had said Kyrgios’ withdrawal from the United Cup was not due to a serious injury. He said,” A lot of people were upset after he pulled out of the United Cup, but I hope they now realize the injury is genuine. I wish more people would ask questions before putting in their two cents.”
Kyrgios will be keen to participate in the 2023 Australian Open. The player has had positive momentum in Grand Slams recently. He reached the finals of Wimbledon and the quarter-finals of the US Open in 2022. He will also want to retain his Australian Open doubles title, which he won with compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis last year. The question on Kyrgios’ fitness will only be answered on the 16th of January when the Australian Open begins.
Related: Craig Tiley comes to Nick Kyrgios’ defense over United Cup withdrawal
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Samarth Srivastava
(139 Articles Published)