Australian tennis ace Nick Kyrgios will remain sidelined for another major tournament after withdrawing from the US Open due to injury, the development signalling a disappointing end to the tennis star’s injury fraught 2023 campaign.
Despite a stellar 2022 season, it’s been a frustrating year so for 28-year-old Kyrgios whose on-court antics pivot between entertaining and controversial at any given match.
Nick Kyrgios, a 2022 quarterfinalist, is out of this year's US Open.
Hope to you see back on the court soon, Nick! pic.twitter.com/sbQNKnyL8n
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 10, 2023
To date, the provocative player has won seven ATP Tour titles and reached eleven finals including the Wimbledon 2022 men’s singles final where he was defeated by Novak Djokovic. He also saw success in doubles where he won the 2022 Australian Open Doubles title with partner Thanasi Kokkinakis. The duo also reached the semi-finals of the Miami Open in the same year.
However, 2023 has not proved as successful for the Aussie tennis dynamo as he was forced to exit the Australian Open citing a knee injury that required surgery.
“Bad timing. Injuries are part of the sport. I’m not doubting that I’ll be back to my full strength,” he told reporters at the time.
Sadly this was not to be as Kyrgios subsequently pulled out of the French Open, hoping to be strong enough to contend Wimbledon. But to the disbelief and shock of tennis fans around the world, he then bailed from Wimbledon at the eleventh hour.
“I tried everything to be able to play. I’ll be back and as always, I appreciate the support from all my fans,” he told fans at the time.
Not only had Kyrgios been suffering the recurring knee injury but was also experiencing wrist pain during his comeback effort in the 2023 Mallorca Tennis Championships. An investigative scan revealed a torn ligament in his wrist.
With another major tournament slipping past the 28-year-old tennis star, fans were quick to rally behind Kyrgios with many hoping to see him back on the court soon.
Sad to hear…Always enjoyed his talent. Looking forward to his comeback soon.
— Fran Luisi (@FranLuisi) August 10, 2023
Come back Nick Kyrgios when you can. We fans miss how you play. ????????????
— Malinda???????????????????????? (@tickethello) August 10, 2023
Gutted for him and for myself as a spectator. Really wanted some NK at this US Open ☹️
— Paul Dray (@thesmalldray) August 10, 2023
Sounds like retirement
— Pokey | Kontaveit on Centre or Rain-on Wimby (@Radukinaa) August 10, 2023
Was looking forward to see you play at Laver Cup.Godspeed
— Steve Sutherland (@SteveSu24166578) August 10, 2023
Following his prolonged absence from the ATP Tour, Kyrgios’s world ranking has dropped dramatically from 20 to 92.