Australian Open: Nick Kyrgios won’t feature in this year’s singles draw
Polarising Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios won’t feature in this year’s singles draw at the Australian Open, but suggested he hasn’t given up on returning in future.
The former Wimbledon finalist took to Instagram on Friday to share his decision to focus on the doubles competition alongside partner Thanasi Kokkinakis, with whom he won the Australian crown in 2022.
Kyrgios made his singles return at the Brisbane International this week after a string of injuries in 2024 and 2025, but was soundly beaten by American Aleksander Kovacevic 6-3, 6-4.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The result prompted the 30-year-old to chat with Tennis Australia and decide not to take up a Wildcard spot or attempt to go through qualifying for his home major.
“After some good conversations with TA, I’ve made the call to focus on doubles for this year’s AO. I’m fit and back on court, but 5-setters are a different beast, and I’m not quite ready to go the distance yet,” Kyrgios said on Instagram on Friday morning.
“This tournament means everything to me, but I’d rather give my spot to someone who’s ready to make their moment count. It’s all building blocks, and I’ll be back next year and pumped to compete. See you out there.”
Since suffering defeat in the 2022 Wimbledon final to Serbian legend Novak Djokovic, Kyrgios has undergone a wrist reconstruction and two knee surgeries.
He recently returned to the court in a highly controversial “Battle of the Sexes” reboot in which he defeated Women’s World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka on an altered court.
The Australian Open is slated to start on Sunday, January 18, with qualifiers to commence from Monday.
