Nick Kyrgios' 2025 Australian Open Hopes In Jeopardy After Injury Setback
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Nick Kyrgios might not be able to compete at the 2025 Australian Open after picking up an injury during his preparation.
The Australian player returned to competition after being away from the sport for practically more than two years. He played one match in 2023, but it quickly turned out to be an unsuccessful comeback attempt.
His comeback attempt in 2025, however, was seemingly very successful. He first won a match in doubles alongside Novak Djokovic at the Brisbane International before kicking off his singles campaign as well.
His first-round opponent at the ATP 250 event was Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, who is currently the biggest server on the ATP Tour. The two played three tie-breaks, with the Frenchman eventually winning the match.
Still, Kyrgios impressed with his performance, but his update after the match wasn't very positive. The Australian player admitted that he was in pain, suggesting he might not compete at the Australian Open.
A few days later, and those claims now look even more worrying, as Kyrgios announced that he had an ultrasound, which revealed a grade 1 strain, which is why he also announced that he wouldn't be able to play with Novak Djokovic on Thursday.
Djokovic has an exhibition event planned at the Rod Laver Arena called "A Night with Novak." The even traditionally sells out, and that was the case also this year.
As Djokovic's good friend, Kyrgios often takes part, and he was set to take part also this year, until he made the worrying announcement on his Instagram profile.
"Unfortunately won't be able to play my good friend Novak this Thursday on the 9th as I've had an ultrasound on my abdominal and have a grade 1 strain. I will be resting and doing everything I can to be ok by the Australian Open."
This announcement is worrying, especially in light of his most recent Australian Open, which he didn't play. In 2023, it looked like the Australian player would be able to return to the tennis courts in Melbourne, but he didn't.
However, his withdrawal came shortly before the start of the tournament, as he was still on the tennis court during the AO Opening Week, participating in the same event that he withdrew from this year.
Back then, Kyrgios was even able to beat Djokovic in the exhibition match. Djokovic then claimed the Australian Open title a couple of weeks later.
The fact that this year, Kyrgios didn't even feel confident to compete in that exhibition match might suggest that he might not be able to compete at the Australian Open, either.
That would certainly be heartbreaking for the 2022 Wimbledon runner-up, as it would mark his third consecutive Australian Open absence and his ninth straight Grand Slam tournament missed.
The 2025 Australian Open starts on Sunday, January 12th, and Kyrgios will now try to win the race against time.
