MELBOURNE: Former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios has confirmed he will not compete in the singles draw at this month’s Australian Open, saying he is not yet ready for the demands of five-set matches. The 30-year-old Australian will instead feature only in the doubles at Melbourne Park, with the tournament beginning on January 18.
Kyrgios, who reached the Australian Open quarter-finals in 2015, has endured a difficult run with injuries in recent seasons. Following wrist reconstruction surgery and two knee operations since his 2022 Wimbledon final loss to Novak Djokovic, he has slipped to world number 670 and would have required a wildcard to enter the singles event.
In a message shared on social media, Kyrgios said he made the decision after discussions with Tennis Australia, stressing that while he is fit and back on court, the physical toll of five-set matches remains a challenge. He added that he preferred to give his singles spot to a player fully ready to seize the opportunity.
Tennis Australia also announced that Stan Wawrinka has been awarded a singles wildcard, with the three-time Grand Slam champion set to make his final Australian Open appearance before retiring at the end of the season.
Kyrgios said his focus is on building momentum and expressed confidence he will return to singles action at the Australian Open next year.
