Nick Kyrgios will enter the Australian Open severely underdone after pulling out of the second of the Adelaide International warm-up events.
Kyrgios was a late scratching from Australia’s United Cup campaign due to an ankle injury, and it is now confirmed he will also miss the ATP event in Adelaide.
It means Kyrgios will enter the Australian Open having not played a competitive match since appearing in the ATP event in Tokyo in October.
“The Adelaide International can confirm that Nick Kyrgios will not compete in week two of the tournament,” the tournament said in a statement.
“The event is clearly disappointed in this decision, as would be the fans who support him, but injury happens and health is always the priority.
“The Adelaide International wishes Nick Kyrgios the best of luck and a quick recovery, understanding the importance of the Australian Open preparation. He is welcome back to the Adelaide International anytime.”
Kyrgios’s manager, Daniel Horsfall, said Kyrgios told Nine newspapers his client was in “no doubt at all” to contest the Australian Open and intimated some people had questioned the veracity of the injury.
“We are very excited and working every day to make sure we’re ready for the Australian Open,” Horsfall said.
“A lot of people were upset after he pulled out of the United Cup, but I hope they now realise the injury is genuine. I wish more people would ask questions before putting in their two cents.”
Kyrgios reached the final of Wimbledon last year, and also made it through to the quarter-finals of the US Open.
The world No 22 has become accustomed to compromised preparations during his turbulent career, but his complete lack of match practice means he will have to buck the odds to become a title threat at the Australian Open.
Kyrgios is set to also play doubles at the Australian Open alongside good friend Thanasi Kokkinakis, with the pair aiming to defend their shock 2022 title.