Nick Kyrgios won’t compete in the Australian Open singles draw this year, despite being cleared to play at Melbourne park.He’s focusing on doubles with partner Thanasi Kokkinakis after recent surgeries on his knee and wrist.
Kyrgios announced on social media that he isn’t yet ready for the demands of best-of-five set matches. “I’m fit and back on court,but five-setters are a different beast and I’m not quite ready to go the distance yet,” he stated.
His return to singles play at the Brisbane International ended quickly with a 66-minute loss to Aleksandar Kovacevic. During the match, Kyrgios showed visible discomfort, clutching his arm and wearing support on his wrist and ankle. He added further strapping to his elbow and knee for a doubles match, which he and Kokkinakis ultimately lost in a tie-break.
Despite sitting out the singles competition, Kyrgios plans to participate in the One Point Slam promotion and the Kooyong Classic. He expressed his desire to give his spot in the Australian Open to a player ready to compete. “This tournament means everything to me but I’d rather give my spot to someone who’s ready to make their moment count,” he said. “It’s all building blocks and I’ll be back next year and pumped to compete. See you out there.”
Kyrgios would have needed a wildcard or to win qualifying matches to enter the main draw. The men’s doubles tournament begins January 19th, following the start of the singles competition.
Jordan Thompson,Chris O’Connell,and former champion Stan Wawrinka were awarded wildcards on Friday.
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