Australian tennis maverick Nick Kyrgios is making waves again, this time for a harmless social media post that didn’t sit well with tennis fans.
The drama kicked off when Rafael Nadal had to bow out of the Australian Open due to a hip injury. Kyrgios shared a sympathetic message about Nadal’s setback, casually slipping in his own injury struggles.
The seemingly innocent message rubbed many fans the wrong way with a number fans accusing the 28 year old of making Nadal’s setback about himself.
As fans continue to debate the intention of Kyrgios’ tweet, discussion has emerged among the tennis community about Nadal’s future in tennis after suffering injury. Having already defied expectations by playing almost a decade longer than many anticipated, the tennis icon faces another challenging chapter in his storied career.
Nadal was forced to withdraw from the Australian Open due to injury following a physically demanding three-and-a-half-hour battle with Australian Jordan Thompson.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion took to social media on Sunday, January 7 to deliver the devastating news to his fans worldwide.
“Hi all, during my last match in Brisbane I had a small problem on a muscle that as you know made me worried,” Nadal posted on X, formerly Twitter.
“Once I got to Melbourne I have had the chance to make an MRI and I have micro tear on a muscle, not in the same part where I had the injury and that’s good news.
“Right now I am not ready to compete at the maximum level of exigence (sic, excellence) in 5 sets matches.
“I’m flying back to Spain to see my doctor, get some treatment and rest.”
Nadal conveyed his dedication to making a comeback with his primary focus now fixed on the French Open commencing on May 20.
“I have worked very hard during the year for this comeback and as I always mentioned my goal is to be at my best level in three months,” he wrote.
“Within the sad news for me for not being able to play in front of the amazing Melbourne crowds, this is not very bad news and we all remain positive with the evolution for the season.
“I really wanted to play here in Australia and I have had the chance to play a few matches that made me very happy and positive.
“Thanks all for the support and see you soon.”