Nick Kyrgios has announced his decision to skip the singles event at the Australian Open due to fitness concerns. However, he will participate in the doubles competition alongside fellow Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis.
Kyrgios’s Health Takes Priority
The 30-year-old athlete recently indicated that his body is not prepared for the demanding nature of five-set matches. Despite being back on the court, injuries from multiple wrist and knee surgeries have drastically reduced his tennis activity. In the past three years, Kyrgios has only competed in seven singles matches, leading to a notable decline in his ranking, now resting at 670.
Recent Match Performance
Kyrgios’s most recent singles match ended in a defeat, where he lost 6-3, 6-4 to American Aleksandar Kovacevic at the Brisbane International. This match lasted only 66 minutes, further highlighting his current fitness struggles.
Focus on Doubles at the Australian Open
The Australian Open tournament will commence on January 18. Kyrgios made it clear through a social media post that he intends to focus solely on the doubles event this year. He expressed his desire to allocate a singles wild card to a competitor who is prepared to seize the opportunity.
Wild Card Allocations
Local media previously speculated that Kyrgios might receive one of the remaining three wild cards issued by Tennis Australia. Ultimately, Stan Wawrinka, along with Australians Jordan Thompson and Chris O’Connell, were awarded these slots. Wawrinka, the 2014 Australian Open champion, has announced that this season will be his last on tour.
Looking Ahead
Kyrgios remains optimistic about his future in the sport. He stated that he plans to return next year, eager to compete once he is fully fit. His focus on building a solid foundation for his comeback is evident, as he aims to reclaim his position in the sport.
