Kyrgios withdraws from Tokyo quarterfinal match against Fritz, comes to greet fans

Friday, 07 October 2022 at 11:15

Updated at Friday, 07 October 2022 at 11:40

byAlfredo Bassanelli

Yesterday, Nick Kyrgios played two matches at the 2022 Japan Open in Tokyo and he was set to play his quarterfinal match in singles today, but he withdrew from the event.

On Thursday, the 27-years-old Australian defeated Kamil Majchrzak in three sets before teaming up with Thanasi Kokkinakis and winning also in doubles. However, it seems that playing singles and doubles may be a bit too physically demanding for Nick Kyrgios as he was forced to withdraw from his quarterfinal singles match against Taylor Fritz.

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After the tall American defeated the 2022 Wimbledon finalist earlier in Cincinnati this year, they were set for a rematch at the 2022 Japan Open in Tokyo, but that couldn't happen as the Australian probably struggles with an injury.

Despite making fans in Tokyo sad, both players made a very nice act after the announcement that cheered up the audience a little bit. First, Kyrgios came onto the court to greet fans, something that is not usual but the Australian did a few times before.

And then, Fritz stayed on the court and practiced a little bit to give fans at least some show. Denis Shapovalov and Borna Coric are set to play the last quarterfinal match at the 2022 Japan Open but they will need a few more minutes to get to the court as they were previously scheduled to play in around 2 hours.

Fans will be waiting if Kyrgios shows up for doubles tomorrow where he's scheduled to play alongside Kokkinakis against McDonald and Melo. Earlier this year, the Australian also withdrew from singles in Atlanta but then won the title in doubles at the same event.

Earlier this week in Tokyo, he said: “Tennis is stressful as hell in singles, you try to hold yourself in such high accountability every single time and you could be out here for three hours and it’s exhausting and so serious, playing doubles with Thanasi brings that fun element back,” Kyrgios said. “But at the same time it’s my job, I need to make money and that’s how I do it so I play both events.”

A few minutes after his withdrawal, the Australian confirmed that he struggles with a knee injury, which is quite usual for him: "It's the better option for my body. I have to be smart and after hitting with Thanasi today I feel that this is the best thing to do. I have a couple of tournaments at the end of the year and wanna do well there".

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"Never a doubt I would win the match" - Kyrgios on comeback win over Majchrzak

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Nick Kyrgios has pulled out of tonight's quarter-final, sending Taylor Fritz through to the semi-finals in Tokyo. Get better soon, @NickKyrgios 🙏🏽 #RakutenOpen