Nick Kyrgios will enter the Australian Open severely underdone after pulling out of the second of the Adelaide International warm-up events.
Kyrgios was a late scratching from Australia’s United Cup campaign due to an ankle injury, and it was confirmed on Wednesday that he will also miss the ATP event in Adelaide.
It means Kyrgios will enter the Australian Open having not played a competitive match since appearing in the ATP event in Tokyo in October.
His manager, Daniel Horsfall, ripped into critics who claimed Kyrgios was faking an injury so he could rest up before the grand slam.
Nick Kyrgios (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
“We are very excited and working every day to make sure we’re ready for the Australian Open,” Horsfall told The Age.
“A lot of people were upset after he pulled out of the United Cup, but I hope they now realise the injury is genuine. I wish more people would ask questions before putting in their two cents.”
Kyrgios reached the final of Wimbledon last year, and also made it through to the quarter-finals of the US Open.
“The Adelaide International can confirm that Nick Kyrgios will not compete in Week 2 of the tournament,” the tournament said in a statement.
“The event is clearly disappointed in this decision as would be the fans who support him, but injury happens and health is always the priority.
“The Adelaide International wishes Nick Kyrgios the best of luck and a quick recovery, understanding the importance of the Australian Open preparation. He is welcome back to the Adelaide International anytime.”
The world No.22 has become accustomed to compromised preparations during his turbulent career, but his complete lack of match practice means he will have to buck the odds to become a title threat at the Australian Open.
Kyrgios is set to also play doubles at the Australian Open alongside good friend Thanasi Kokkinakis, with the pair aiming to defend their shock 2022 title.
Cam
Roar Rookie
Prediction: Kyrgios draws someone outside the top 100 in R1, his injury is niggling, unforced errors start to mount, blows up at his team in the supporters box, blows up at some rando in the crowd, is down 2 sets to nil when he starts serving underarm, misses a couple of tweeners, starts tanking when not on serve, blows up at the umpire/linesperson, jackhammers a couple of racquets to dust, before getting beat in straight sets. He offers up one-word responses in the post-game interview, has a blow-up on Twitter that Australians don't support him, that he doesn't need the hassle of tennis and announces his retirement to pursue more meaningful interests like park basketball and posting insta photos of him and his current squeeze in exotic locations. I might give it a miss this time around.