Nick Kyrgios’ return to the Australian Open is in doubt after he withdrew from an exhibition match with an abdominal injury.
The 2022 Wimbledon finalist returned to the tour last week in Brisbane after playing just one singles match since October 2022.
Announcing his departure on Instagram, the 29-year-old said an ultrasound scan revealed a stage 1 strain.
He said he would “rest and do everything I can to get everything in order before the Aus Open starts on Sunday.”
He lost his first singles match in Brisbane, defeated by Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in three sets overtime, after which he said he “felt like I was hit by a bus” and reached the second round in doubles, teaming with Novak Djokovic.
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Nick Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic took part in an emotional rally at the Brisbane International Stadium against Nikola Mektic and Michael Venus
“I think I almost need a miracle and I need the stars to align so that my wrist can withstand a Grand Slam,” he said after his singles defeat.
“It’s a completely new situation for my wrist now. It hurts a lot… we expected it. Today is another part of our journey.”
Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley expected Kyrgios to play in Melbourne and felt it was “prudent” to withdraw from the tournament.
