Former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios announced that he will not compete in the singles tournament at the Australian Open, which starts on the 18th, as he does not feel ready to play best-of-five sets.
The 30-year-old Australian, who reached the quarter-finals of the Grand Slam “at home” in 2015, has suffered from a series of injuries in recent seasons. He declared that he will only participate in the doubles bracket of the tournament, at Melbourne Park.
“After some good conversations with TA (Tennis Australia), I have decided to focus on doubles at this year’s Australian Open,” Kyrgios wrote on social media.
“I’m fit and back on the court, but five-set matches are a different challenge and I’m not quite ready to go all the way yet. This tournament means everything to me, but I’d rather give up my place to someone who is ready to seize the moment,” he said.
Kyrgios has undergone wrist reconstruction and had two knee surgeries since losing the 2022 Wimbledon final to Novak Djokovic and is currently ranked 670th in the world.
He was defeated in straight sets in the first round of the Brisbane Open by Aleksander Kovacevic on Tuesday (06) and was looking for an invitation (wildcard) to compete in the singles draw at Melbourne Park.
Kyrgios won the 2022 Australian Open men’s doubles title alongside compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis, defeating fellow Australians Matthew Ebden and Max Purcell in straight sets in the final.
“It’s all part of the process, and I’ll be back next year excited to compete. See you there”, added the tennis player.
