Nick Kyrgios delivers ‘heartbreaking’ Australian Open announcement after ‘tough year’

Tennis sensation Nick Kyrgios has officially announced his withdrawal from the upcoming Australian Open due to a persistent wrist injury, marking his absence for the second consecutive year.

In addition to not featuring in the competition’s main draw entry list, Kyrgios had previously expressed doubt that he would compete in the 2024 tournament, explaining that “the stars have to align a little bit” for him to play.

Amid increasing speculation regarding his potential return to the court in 2024, Kyrgios definitively announced his absence on Saturday, December 9, refraining from providing a specific timeline for his comeback.

“Obviously had a really tough year with injury, had that knee surgery and came back a little bit too soon and set me back a little bit, then obviously had some wrist issues,” Kyrgios said on the subscription website OnlyFans.

“So this is a very disappointing time for me, but I won’t be able to compete at the 2024 Australian Open.

“Obviously heartbreaking. I’ve had so many amazing memories there and I just want to really get back to playing at the top of my game and doing it right and I need a little more time.

“I was so close to winning a grand slam – I want to make sure that my body is going to have the time it needs to come back, so please bear with me.”

In 2022, Kyrgios experienced a remarkable journey, reaching the men’s singles final at Wimbledon where he faced a defeat against Novak Djokovic. Adding to his achievements, he clinched the Australian Open Doubles title with his partner Thanasi Kokkinakis.

However, the trajectory took a downturn in 2023 for the Australian tennis star. The year commenced with his unfortunate withdrawal from the Australian Open due to a necessitated knee surgery. Subsequently, he faced another setback, having to step back from the French Open with hopes of recuperating in time for Wimbledon. Much to the astonishment of tennis enthusiasts worldwide, Kyrgios withdrew from Wimbledon at the eleventh hour.

Beset not only by the persistent knee injury but also grappling with wrist pain during his return at the 2023 Mallorca Tennis Championships, an investigative scan uncovered a torn ligament in his wrist.

The saga continued as Kyrgios found himself sidelined from yet another major tournament, the US Open, owing to an injury.

-with AAP.