Kyrgios was set to face Djokovic in a singles match for the ‘A Night With Novak’ charity event on Thursday night. However, he was forced to cancel his participation after picking up a new injury.
“Unfortunately won’t be able to play my good friend @djokernole this Thursday on the 9th as I’ve had an ultrasound on my abdominal and have a grade 1 strain,” the 29-year-old wrote on Instagram.
“Will be resting and doing everything I can to be OK by the AusOpen.”
At the recent Brisbane International, Kyrgios had also complained about feeling “throbbing” and “constant pain” in his right wrist, where he previously ruptured his scapholunate ligament and underwent surgery.
It leaves his Australian Open hopes up in the air. The tournament gets underway on Sunday, though Kyrgios could play his first-round match as late as Tuesday. The draw will be made on Thursday at 2.30pm Melbourne time.
Tournament director Tiley has now spoken out, taming any fears that Kyrgios will pull out of the hard-court Major. “Nick will be playing,” he stated on Wednesday.
Addressing Kyrgios’ decision to cancel his charity match against Djokovic, the Aussie Open boss also claimed it was normal for players to back out of exhibitions to stay fit.
Tiley added: “I think it’s just precautionary, that’s the word we’ve got from him. Quite a few players do that.
“It’s normal, and Nick’s not the only one not doing some of their pre-planned matches over the next few days. There’s no concerns ahead of the Open.”
Kyrgios has not competed in the Australian Open since 2022 when he reached the second round in singles but lifted the doubles title alongside Thanasi Kokkinakis. The pair will enter the men’s doubles draw again this year.
Former world No. 13 Kyrgios has been sidelined from tennis for the last two years, having surgeries on his knee and wrist. He returned for one match at the Stuttgart Open in June 2023 but lost and did not play again until last week’s Brisbane International.
Kyrgios lost his opening singles match to Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard but won a round in doubles alongside Djokovic.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk