Nick Kyrgios withdraws from ANOTHER tournament in major blow to Australian Open hopes

Nick Kyrgios has been dealt a huge blow in his bid to feature in the Australian Open after the tennis star withdrew from another warm up event.

One week on from angering his compatriots after pulling out of the United Cup, it has been confirmed that Kyrgios will not play in the Adelaide International 2 on January 10.

Tournament officials confirmed that Kyrgios would not compete in the second week of the tournament due to an injury. 

‘The Adelaide International can confirm that Nick Kyrgios will not compete in Week 2 of the tournament,’ a statement obtained by News Corp read.

‘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.’

The Australian Open will begin on January 16. 

Since his withdrawal from the United Cup, Kyrgios has been embroiled in a war of words with Aussie tennis legend Lleyton Hewitt, who was far from impressed with the 27-year-old’s eleventh-hour exit.

Kyrgios told The Sydney Morning Herald he needed to prioritise his preparations for next month’s Australian Open but after Alex de Minaur’s loss to Cameron Norrie, Hewitt said it was the way Kyrgios went about withdrawing that was most difficult to swallow.

Despite being captain, Hewitt only learned Kyrgios had pulled out at the same time as the rest of the team: ten minutes before Australia faced the press on Wednesday.

When he tried to contact Kyrgios thereafter, Hewitt did not immediately receive a response.

‘It was pretty tough not knowing what was going on the last 24 hours,’ Hewitt said on Thursday night.

‘It was more probably the lack of communication.

‘If it was just worrying Nick, that’s one thing, but when it revolves around the team and other people and I guess their preparation … they want to be playing as well as they can not just in this event but also leading into the Australian Open.

‘That’s probably the hardest thing.’

More to follow.