“Not that straightforward,” Craig Tiley unsure if Nick Kyrgios can manage to win the 2023 Australian Open
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Nick Kyrgios and Craig Tiley
Nick Kyrgios continues to remain in headlines irrespective he plays or not. Following his big rise in the 2022 season, the Australian is becoming one of the favorites for the upcoming 2023 Australian Open. He won the Men’s Doubles last year and had it not for his low rank, he would have managed to make a deep run in the singles as well.
He lost to eventual runner-up Daniil Medvedev in the second round after a good battle last year. In his next Grand Slam appearances, he made it to the finals of the 2022 Wimbledon and the quarter-finals of the 2022 US Open. He snubbed the 2022 French Open as his dislike for clay kept him away from the Major.
On the back of these performances, Kyrgios is likely to enter the 2023 Australian Open as the No. 1 Australian unless Alex de Minaur goes past him. However, for Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley, Kyrgios might not be able to go the full distance in Melbourne Park this year.
“Playing at home in front of your home crowd and expected to win – that’s why I think one of the greatest wins we’ve seen here at Melbourne Park was Ash Barty. It’s a very difficult thing to do … only they (players) can talk about it, but responding to the pressure is not that straightforward. We would love to see Nick do well.
“For us, it’s just day-by-day and him staying healthy, enjoying the competition. I believe if Nick comes out and has some fun while he’s doing it, and has an opportunity to play his best tennis, that would be great,” said Tiley in his recent press interaction.
Also Read: “Heaps fun,” Thanasi Kokkinakis responds to Novak Djokovic’s challenge at the Adelaide International
Nick Kyrgios’ Australian Open preparations take a hit
Ahead of the Australian Open, the ATP and WTA combined to create the 2023 United Cup to jumpstart the new season. Nick Kyrgios was expected to lead Australia in the mixed-gender team but announced a late withdrawal from the competition. The decision was made public minutes before the team’s press conference. Team Captain Sam Stosur also expressed her surprise revealing she was informed “10 minutes ago” of Kyrgios’ withdrawal.
Kyrgios had to take the harsh decision due to a niggle on his leg. Not wanting to risk his home leg of the Tour, he found it fitting to withdraw from the United Cup. While he received some criticism for his late call, the tournament director instead defended him. Kyrgios however did not bother in replying to the criticism.
Following his withdrawal, Kyrgios might take a late wildcard into one of the two events scheduled in Adelaide in the coming weeks. Since Australia is hosting only two events, Kyrgios will have to make a quick decision, or else he will reach Melbourne Park without any match practice.
Also Read: What is the prize money for the 2023 Australian Open?
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Sarthak Shitole
(3462 Articles Published)