Nick Kyrgios withdraws from 2024 Australian Open due to wrist injury،
Tennis showman Nick Kyrgios will miss a second consecutive Australian Open due to injury and has not confirmed a timetable for his return from a persistent wrist problem.
The 2022 Wimbledon finalist was not included in the main draw entry list released on Thursday and had always looked unlikely to compete in his home grand slam, saying last month that “the stars had to align” for him can appear.
Kyrgios, 28, officially confirmed his absence on Saturday, without setting a date for his return.
“Obviously I had a really tough year with injury, I had knee surgery and came back a little bit too early and that set me back a little bit and then obviously I had some wrist issues,” Kyrgios said on subscription site OnlyFans.
“So it’s a very disappointing time for me, but I won’t be able to compete in the 2024 Australian Open.
“Obviously it's heartbreaking. I had so many amazing memories there and I just really want to get back to playing at the top of my game and doing things right and I need a little more time.
“I was so close to winning a Grand Slam. I want to make sure my body has the time it needs to come back, so please be patient with me.”
The absence of former world number 13 Kyrgios is a blow to AO organizers, given his popularity with fans and entertaining style of play.
It also dashes any hopes of reviving his doubles partnership with Thanasi Kokkinakis, who won the 2022 men's doubles title at Melbourne Park.
Kyrgios withdrew from the 2023 Open on the eve of the tournament due to a knee injury before undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee.
He did not return until mid-year, but tore a ligament in his right wrist in June, leading to his withdrawal from Wimbledon, and has not played since.
The timing of his injuries was unfortunate after his brilliant 2022 where he also reached the quarter-finals of the US Open, as well as his golden run at Wimbledon.
Upon his return, Kyrgios will be able to use his protected ranking of 21 until March 2024, nine months after his one and only match in 2023, in Stuttgart in June.
He would also be a likely contender for wildcard spots in the majors.
Kyrgios indicated he would be involved in commentary at Melbourne Park while he was away from the game.
World number 12 Alex de Minaur will lead the Australian men's charge at Melbourne Park.
Also in the main draw are Alexei Popyrin, Max Purcell, Jordan Thompson, Aleksandar Vukic, Kokkinakis, Christoper O'Connell and Rinky Hijikata.
