Last year’s Wimbledon finalist and world No. 21 Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from the Australian Open, which is being played on his home turf, Australia.
On Monday, the 27-year-old said in a press conference that, due to a knee issue, he is withdrawing from the Australian Open. He made the declaration at Melbourne Park.
On Tuesday, Kyrgios was supposed to play Roman Safin in his opening round; however, Denis Kudla of the USA will take Kyrgios’ position in the draw.
Before the start of the tournament, all eyes were on him because of the drastic rise in his performance, but now Kyrgios will miss the entire Australian Open for the first time since making his professional debut at his home major in 2014. The Australian said that a tiny tear in his lateral meniscus caused a parameniscal cyst to develop in his left meniscus.
“This is one of the most important tournaments of my career.” hasn’t been easy at all. “I’m obviously extremely disappointed,” Kyrgios said.
“This coming around is just bad timing.” But that’s life. Injury is a part of the sport. I guess I can draw some inspiration from someone like Thanasi Kokkinakis, who has had a bunch of injuries and bounced back.
“I’m not doubting I will be back to my full strength and playing the tennis I was playing prior to this event.” I’m devastated, obviously. It’s my home tournament. I’ve had some great memories here. “Obviously, last year I won the title in doubles and played the best tennis of my life, probably.”
The 27-year-old earned one of the best results of his career at the 2022 Australian Open, where he partnered with close friend Thanasi Kokkinakis to the doubles title, and in Wimbledon 2022, he reached the final but eventually faced defeat while facing Novak Djokovic.