Nick Kyrgios has cast fresh uncertainty over his participation in the Australian Open after pulling out of an exhibition match with Novak Djokovic due to an abdominal strain. The Australian star, who reached the Wimbledon final in 2022, announced his withdrawal from the highly anticipated event at Rod Laver Arena, adding to a series of fitness concerns that have plagued his career since late 2022. The Australian tennis star’s hopes of returning triumphantly at his home Grand Slam now hang in the balance.
Kyrgios Suffers Massive Injury Setback
Kyrgios revealed on Instagram that an ultrasound detected a grade one strain in his abdomen, forcing him to withdraw from the “A Night With Novak” exhibition match scheduled for January 9.
“Unfortunately, I won’t be able to play my good friend @djokernole this Thursday on the 9th,” Kyrgios wrote. “Will be resting and doing everything I can to be OK by the Aus Open.”
The 29-year-old has played just one ATP Tour match in the past two years, with a persistent wrist injury raising doubts about his long-term fitness. However, he made a brief return last week at the ATP 250 tournament in Brisbane, where he narrowly lost a grueling match against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, 7-6(2), 6-7(4), 7-6(3). While Kyrgios showed signs of wrist discomfort during the match, the abdominal strain now poses an additional hurdle in his comeback journey.
Kyrgios has been grappling with injuries, including knee, foot, and wrist issues, which have limited him to just one singles match since October 2022. Despite his ongoing struggles, he remains listed in Australia’s Davis Cup squad for their upcoming tie against Sweden on January 31 and February 1. With the Australian Open set to begin on January 12 at Melbourne Park, Kyrgios’ participation remains highly uncertain. Fans remain hopeful for a swift recovery, but even the 2022 Wimbledon runners-up acknowledges the immense challenge ahead.
Kyrgios’ withdrawal from the exhibition match with Djokovic due to an abdominal strain has again highlighted his ongoing fitness struggles. The 29-year-old revealed he experienced “throbbing” pain after his first-round defeat against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard at the Brisbane International—his first singles appearance in 18 months.
Going Forward
Kyrgios was originally scheduled to face Djokovic in the exhibition event, but an ultrasound confirmed the abdominal strain, leaving him with no choice but to withdraw. Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley remains optimistic, suggesting Kyrgios’ withdrawal might be precautionary. “We’re expecting him to play,” Tiley said, reflecting a cautious optimism about Kyrgios’ chances. Kyrgios, aiming to resume his career following knee and wrist surgeries fully, also returned to competitive doubles in Brisbane alongside Djokovic.
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports
