Nick Kyrgios’ Australian Open return is in fresh doubt after he revealed a new injury that could stop him from competing at Melbourne Park.
Kyrgios was due to play an exhibition singles match against 24-time grand slam champion Novak Djokovic at Rod Laver Arena on Thursday night to kick off “A Night with Novak”, but he has withdrawn from that because of an abdominal setback.
Nick Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic in the first round of the men’s doubles in Brisbane.Credit: Getty Images
“Unfortunately won’t be able to play my good friend @djokernole this Thursday on the 9th as I’ve had an ultrasound on my abdominal and have a grade 1 strain,” Kyrgios posted on Instagram.
“Will be resting and doing everything I can to be OK by the Aus Open.”
Nick Kyrgios has announced he has an abdominal strain on Instagram.Credit: Instagram
Kyrgios, 29, played his first matches in 18 months in Brisbane last week, including a three-set singles defeat to France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and two doubles contests alongside Djokovic.
He had played only once in the previous two years, firstly because of knee surgery then a serious wrist injury that required another operation.
More to come.
News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport are sent every Monday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.
