Tennis star Nick Kyrgios is set to miss the Australian Open for the second consecutive year. He recently confirmed that he has not fully healed enough to participate in the first major of the year. Fans were expecting him to play in front of his home crowd, and this news comes as a huge disappointment. However, he will still be around, but in a different capacity.
Kyrgios has not played in almost a year owing to a spate of unfortunate injuries. This season, the Australian played just one match at the Stuttgart Open, but Wu Yibing defeated him. Kyrgios recently joined OnlyFans, where he gave an important update about his participation.
Nick confirmed that he would not be playing at the Australian Open, as he has not healed completely. There were a lot of speculations, especially after his name was missing from the main draw. Kyrgios has now put them to rest. “This is a very disappointing time for me, but I won’t be able to compete at the 2024 Australian Open,” he said (via Tennis365).
Nick Kyrgios announces on his Only Fans that he will not play the 2024 Australian Open, as he’s still not back to full health. 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/tBnghy7kxq
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) December 8, 2023
The nightmares seem to continue for the former world no. 13, which is a big blow to those who enjoy watching him. It is a tragic turn of events, more so because Kyrgios had a spectacular season in 2022.
Fans did not receive this news well and lashed out at him. Several took to social media to express their anger at the player. One user commented that Kyrgios “should stick to OnlyFans.” Here are a few reactions to the announcement.
Laziness that’s just him not being committed to getting heathy and getting back to play, I don’t know if he’ll be a contender in his career again. I hope I’m wrong
— retired (@retireddegen1) December 9, 2023
Should stick to just only fans, he’s not even a tennis player anymore
— Gi (@crzygeminibaker) December 9, 2023
Now an arm chair critic. Wagging his tongue rather than racket.
Sad cause I always thought he had audacious talent, but never the discipline…— Keshab Mansukhani (@KKM154385289499) December 9, 2023
While he has not picked up a racket due to his injuries, he made a memorable commentary debut at the Nitto ATP Finals. Nick Kyrgios will don the commentary hat once more at the Australian Open.
A timeline of Nick Kyrgios’ injuries
The Aussie has had to contend with a lot of injuries this year. He withdrew from the Australian Open at the start of the year due to an injury to his left knee. A subsequent surgery saw him sit out of action for 5 months.
Nick tried to make a comeback before the French Open, but a foot issue ruled him out. He tried to stage another return at Wimbledon but pulled out due to a wrist ligament problem. The same injury saw him withdraw from the US Open as well.
It is disappointing to see him languishing on the sidelines, especially on the back of a stellar season last year. Kyrgios made deep runs at most tournaments and even reached the Wimbledon final.
As of now, Nick Kyrgios has not confirmed when he will return. He is one of the most entertaining players around, and his absence can be felt by all.