In a significant blow to tennis fans, Australian player Nick Kyrgios has officially withdrawn from the upcoming Australian Open, citing ongoing fitness challenges. The decision comes as a heartbreaking setback for Kyrgios, who has been grappling with fitness issues following an extended period of injury.
Long Road to Recovery
Nick Kyrgios underwent knee surgery in January, marking the beginning of a challenging journey to regain full fitness. His return was further delayed after tearing a ligament in his wrist, forcing him to abandon plans to participate in Wimbledon. The one-time world number 13 has faced multiple setbacks on the path to recovery.
Last month, Kyrgios expressed skepticism about his readiness for the Australian Open, stating that the “stars would need to align” for him to be fit for the prestigious Grand Slam event. Unfortunately, the Australian tennis showstopper confirmed on Saturday that time had run out, leading to his withdrawal from the 2024 Australian Open.
Making the announcement on the subscription-based platform OnlyFans, where he recently joined as a content creator, Kyrgios shared his disappointment: “So, this is a very disappointing time for me, but I won’t be able to compete at the 2024 Australian Open.” Despite the setback, he expressed gratitude for the memories and affirmed his commitment to returning to peak performance.
Kyrgios Still Involved, Despite Absence
While acknowledging that he won’t be competing in the Australian Open this year, Nick Kyrgios assured fans that he plans to stay connected with the tournament. He expressed his intention to be present, commentating on matches and actively participating in the event despite not being on the court.
Last month, Kyrgios reiterated his aspiration to win a Grand Slam, with a close call at Wimbledon in 2022 when he reached the final but lost to Novak Djokovic. Despite the setback in his Australian Open journey, Kyrgios remains determined to reclaim his form and pursue his Grand Slam ambitions.
As Kyrgios exits the tournament, the entry list for the Australian Open includes Rafael Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam winner returning after an injury hiatus. Additionally, four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka, who gave birth in July and has been dealing with mental health challenges, is set to make her comeback after not playing since September 2022.
The Australian Open, scheduled from January 14-28 at Melbourne Park, will proceed without Kyrgios, but fans can anticipate the return of other tennis stars, promising an action-packed event.
