MELBOURNE – Australian star Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from the Australian Open on Monday, ending local hopes that he might be able to end the nation’s long wait for a home men’s champion.
The 27-year-old, runner-up at Wimbledon in 2022, revealed he had suffered a torn meniscus and decided to pull out after a hitting practice session with doubles partner Thanasi Kokkinakis.
“I’m devastated, obviously,” he said at a hastily arranged press conference at Melbourne Park. “I’ve had some great tournaments here, winning the doubles last year and playing the tennis of my life probably going into this event.
“Pretty brutal, one of the most important tournaments of my year and it hasn’t been easy.
“There’s a mixture of emotions... just bad timing, but that’s life. Injuries are part of the sport.”
The 17th seed was scheduled to play Russia’s Roman Safiullin on Tuesday.
His physiotherapist Will Maher said a scan showed a cyst as a result of a small tear in his lateral meniscus, but it was not a career-threatening injury.
Kyrgios’ team had used Friday’s exhibition match with Novak Djokovic to test the injured knee and the Australian “didn’t pull up great”.
On Saturday, Kyrgios said that expectations he could go far at the opening Grand Slam of the year were stressful and made it hard to focus.
But the divisive star also said he was humbled to be in a position where people considered him in with a real shot of winning a first Grand Slam.
While his frequent tantrums have long overshadowed his talent, Kyrgios had a stellar 2022, making a barnstorming run to a first Grand Slam singles final at Wimbledon, before losing to Djokovic.
There was no such drama with defending champion Rafael Nadal, who dropped a set but prevailed 7-5, 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 in a battle of fitness against Jack Draper.
Fellow left-hander Draper played superb tennis to level the match at a set all, but the 21-year-old Briton soon developed leg problems.
He was left groaning as Nadal closed out the match on a warm and sunny afternoon at Rod Laver Arena.
“I needed a victory, so that’s the main thing. Doesn’t matter the way. The most important thing today is a victory against a tough opponent,” the 36-year-old said.
“We knew it was not going to be perfect... it was not perfect. (But) I did things well.
“I played against one of the toughest opponents possible in the first round. He’s young, he has the power and he has a great future.
“So satisfied with the victory because that gives me the chance to play again.”
Nadal, bidding for a record-extending 23rd Grand Slam title, will next face Mackenzie McDonald for a place in the third round.
Also progressing is world No. 8 Daniil Medvedev, after the Russian cruised to a 6-0, 6-1, 6-2 win over American Marcos Giron. He will meet Australia’s John Millman on Wednesday.
Joining the 2021 US Open winner is Stefanos Tsitsipas, after the Greek outplayed Frenchman Quentin Halys to win 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (8-6) at the Margaret Court Arena. The world No. 4 will next face Australian wildcard entry Rinky Hijikata.
In an all-Canadian showdown, Felix Auger-Aliassime overcame Vasek Pospisil 1-6, 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-3), 6-3 in a match that lasted nearly four hours. The sixth seed will take on Slovakia’s Alex Molcan in the next round. REUTERS, AFP
