After much anticipation, Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from the 2023 Australian Open due to a knee injury.
The polarising Aussie tennis star and world #21 has suffered a small lateral meniscus tear which – despite treatment – is obviously serious enough to prevent him from competing at his home grand slam; and serious enough to prevent him from defending the men’s doubles crown he earned with Thanasi Kokkinakis last year.
“That’s life. Injuries are part of the sport,” Nick Kyrgios told reporters in a press conference this afternoon (via ABC).
“I’m devastated obviously, it’s my home tournament.”
Thankfully, his physio Will Maher has assured the public this isn’t a career-threatening injury. It just means the 2023 Australian Open will be a little less exciting.
This news comes to light after Nick Kyrgios faced fellow 2022 Wimbledon finalist and career rival, Novak Djokovic, in a sold-out practice match hosted at Rod Laver Arena last Friday evening. The local talent was initially scheduled to face Russia’s Roman Safiullin (#88) tomorrow at John Cain Arena.
Now check out everything you need to know about the 2023 Australian Open – aside from Nick Kyrgios – here.
