Nick Kyrgios WILL be at the Australian Open, tennis boss insists as doubts remain over Australian star’s fitness ahead of 2024’s first major
- Nick Kyrgios will be at the Australian Open
- Tennis boss says he will be there ‘in some form’
- Doubts remain about his fitness
Nick Kyrgios is expected to be at the Australian Open ‘in some form’ as major doubts remain over the enigmatic entertainer’s tennis comeback.
The 2022 Wimbledon finalist remains sidelined with knee and wrist problems and looks unlikely to compete at Melbourne Park for a second year in a row in January.
“The update is day by day with him,” Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley said on Monday about Kyrgios’ availability.
“He’s best guess is that… we’ll have Nick here in some form in January.
‘Hopefully it’s to play because he’s a crowd pleaser. We enjoy watching Nick and having him around.”
Nick Kyrgios will be at the Australian Open ‘in some form’ this summer
Kyrgios’ fitness was a major problem due to knee and wrist problems
Kyrgios was a commentator at the ATP Finals in Italy in November, where he said “the stars would have to align” to play in the Open.
In an interview with English broadcaster Piers Morgan last week, the 28-year-old gave no indication that he would be willing to return to the court any time soon.
But Open organizers received a major boost last Friday when Rafael Nadal announced he will make his long-awaited comeback at the Brisbane International in January.
The legendary Spaniard will make his return in the Australian Open warm-up event before taking the court in Melbourne for what could be his farewell Down Under.
The 37-year-old has not played a competitive match since being knocked out in the second round of this year’s Open by American Mackenzie McDonald as he struggled with an injured hip.
“It’s nice to talk to Rafa, that’s why this job is great… what a beautiful person,” Tiley said.
Tennis boss Craig Tiley expects Kyrgios to be at Melbourne Park for the tournament
“He was most concerned about not being ready to play; he didn’t want to commit to playing and let his fans down by subsequently withdrawing.
‘He is healthy, he practices well, he plays the way Rafa plays and goes all the way.
“It took him a while to make the announcement, simply because he wanted to make sure he could come and play.”