An ‘extremely shattered’ Nick Kyrgios apologises to fans following Atlanta Open withdrawl

Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has been forced to withdraw from the Atlanta Open only moments before he was set to compete, taking to the court to break the news to a stadium of disappointed fans.

Kyrgios was to play Peter Gojowczyk from Germany in the first round in Atlanta on Wednesday, July 27 but after struggling with a shoulder injury during his most recent Wimbledon campaign and a persistent knee complaint, the world No. 47 was forced to forgo the match.

Kyrgios addressed the crowd of tennis fans directly, explaining that he was “extremely shattered that I’m not able to compete tonight”.

“I’ve won this tournament once and am probably playing some of the best tennis of my career and all I wanted to do was come out here and give you guys a show,” he said.

“I’m not able to give out my best performance and I’m extremely sorry and I’m going to keep my hopes up that I may be able to continue doubles with Thanasi (Kokkinakis).

“I hope you won’t be too hard on me … I love you guys and hopefully next year I will be able to compete and give it my all.”

Unfortunately our 2016 champ Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from the singles draw. He hopes to continue in doubles.

“I’m shattered that I’m not able to compete tonight…all I wanted to do was come out here and give you guys a show.”#AtlantaOpen | #USOpenSeries pic.twitter.com/zme6TYbYcz

— Atlanta Open ???? (@ATLOpenTennis) July 27, 2022

French player Adrian Mannarino took Kyrgios’ place in the match and defeated Gojowczyk 6-3 7-6 (9-7).

Despite the Atlanta crowd being left disappointed that they wouldn’t see Kyrgios compete, fans on social media offered nothing but praise for Australian tennis star for being “nice enough to address the crowd”.

Very classy Nick to front the fans yourself.. I’m sure they will understand #Proud

— Zane Bojack (@zanofc) July 27, 2022

I give Nick a lot of credit for coming out and addressing the fans… don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone do that after pulling out. Hopefully he’s fully healthy in time to win the US Open ????

— Adam Belue (@albinomamba44) July 27, 2022

Well, he’s injured. Give the guy a break. He didn’t come all the way to the States, not to play. ???????? he was nice enough to address the crowd. I was preparing myself to watch him. In Cincy, next time.

— Monique Sourdif (@MoniqueSourdif3) July 27, 2022

Well, he’s injured. Give the guy a break. He didn’t come all the way to the States, not to play. ???????? he was nice enough to address the crowd. I was preparing myself to watch him. In Cincy, next time.

— Monique Sourdif (@MoniqueSourdif3) July 27, 2022

Many more wished Kyrgios a speedy recovery from his current injury woes.

Very sad to hear this. Prayers all will be well

— Julie (@ladyjuliet66064) July 27, 2022

im bummed he isn’t playing tonight. good luck tomorrow and feel better soon Nick ????

— Tanya (@Tanya42705898) July 27, 2022

???? So sad!! We just bought our tickets and are driving up from FL Saturday in the hopes to get to see you play! But – your health comes first, so praying for a full and speedy recovery. Do not let this injury cause you to lose your focus.

— skr (@SXM08) July 27, 2022

Sad to hear that you’re not playing. Hope you get better soon.

— May P (@MayP01055163) July 27, 2022

Kyrgios recently missed out on winning his first grand slam title after losing to Novak Djokovic in four sets during the Wimbledon men’s final at Centre Court on Sunday, July 10.

Following his loss, an exhausted Kyrgios was in awe at the level of play Djokovic exhibited during the match.

“He’s a bit of a God,” Kyrgios said.

“I’m not going to lie, I thought I played well.”