FILE – Nick Kyrgios of Australia. REUTERS/Androniki Christodoulou
Injured Nick Kyrgios on Thursday pulled out of next week’s Adelaide International II, but his team insists he has “no doubt” for the Australian Open.
This is the second tournament in a row that the temperamental tennis star has withdrawn after his absence for the ongoing mixed teams United Cup event in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth due to ankle problems.
Tournament director Alistair MacDonald said: “We know that the Adelaide International is an important and leading event for Nick and I know he is very disappointed not to be able to compete in Adelaide this year. “We wish him well at the Australian Open.”
There are two ATP-WA Adelaide Internationals this month, with Novak Djokovic taking the lead this week.
Kyrgios is expected to play in week two, alongside the likes of Andrey Rublev, Lorenzo Musetti and Dan Evans.
Kyrgios manager Daniel Horsfall told the Melbourne Age the decision not to compete was made after consultation with a physiotherapist.
He added that Kyrgios, who had a stellar season last year, reached his first Grand Slam final at Wimbledon, was making “good progress” and was “without a doubt” for Australia. Expansion begins January 16.
“We are very excited and working every day to make sure we are ready for the Australian Open,” Horsfall said.
“A lot of people were upset after he pulled out of the United Cup, but I hope now they realize the injury is real.”
Kyrgios won the Australian Open doubles title last year alongside Thanasi Kokkinakis, with the pair defending their crown.
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