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Fresh off his Wimbledon final loss, Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from the singles draw at the Atlanta Open citing injury.
The world No.47, who fell to Novak Djokovic in the decider of the grass-court major earlier this month, was slated to play German Peter Gojowczyk before pulling out on Tuesday.
Believed to be dealing with a knee injury, Kyrgios said he may still be available to continue in the doubles with fellow Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis.
He struggled with a shoulder issue through Wimbledon.
Kyrgios, who won the Atlanta tournament in 2016, addressed the crowd to explain his absence, with Frenchman Adrian Mannarino taking his place in the draw.
“I’m extremely shattered that I’m not able to compete tonight,” the 27-year-old said.
“I’ve won this tournament once and am probably playing some of the best tennis of my career and all I wanted to do was come out here and give you guys a show.
“I’m not able to give out my best performance and I’m extremely sorry and I’m going to keep my hopes up that I may be able to continue doubles with Thanasi.
“I hope you won’t be too hard on me … I love you guys and hopefully next year I will be able to compete and give it my all.”
Kyrgios and Kokkinakis, who won this year’s Australian Open doubles, won their first-round encounter against French pairing Nicholas Mahut and Edouard Roger-Vasselin in Atlanta.
It comes after Kyrgios had been handed a wildcard into next month’s US Open tune-up event in Cincinnati, Ohio.
If he is able to complete it will mark his sixth appearance in Cincinnati and first since 2019.
The Cincinnati Masters began in 1899 making it the oldest tournament in the United States still played in its original city. Australians have won twice, Ken Rosewall in 1970 and Pat Rafter in 1988.
World No.1 Daniil Medvedev, who was banned from Wimbledon due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, is on the entry list as is Djokovic.
However, the Serb is unlikely to play due to his refusal to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Travellers seeking to enter the United States have to provide proof of vaccination.
© AAP
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