World No 22 Nick Kyrgos has withdrawn from the Adelaide International 2 tournament. Kyrgios, 27, was scheduled to start his 2023 season at the inaugural United Cup. But then just a day before the tournament, Kyrgios pulled out of the tournament.
In late December, Kyrgios sustained an ankle injury while playing at the inaugural World Tennis League in Dubai. Now, Kyrgios has also withdrawn from the Adelaide International 2, which is taking place next week. This week, the Adelaide International 1 is taking place.
Unfortunately for the Adelaide tennis community, they won’t have a chance to see Kyrgios in action playing there ahead of the Australian Open. Following Kyrgios’ withdrawal, a place in the Adelaide 2 main draw opened up for Kyle Edmund.
Adelaide 2 update:
OUT: Kyrgios
IN: Edmund
Next: Krajinovic — Entry List Updates (@EntryLists) January 4, 2023
Kyrgios defended his decision
Kyrgios’ late United Cup withdrawal drew ire and anger in Australia.
After receiving a backlash for his decision to withdraw from the United Cup, Kyrgios explained his decision. In an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, Kyrgios noted that being fully fit is the key to making a deep Grand Slam run.
Since he is fully focused on winning his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, he didn’t want to risk aggravating his injury by playing at the United Cup. “Anyone who plays professionally knows for sure.
Anyone outside of that wouldn’t have a great understanding. Going deep or not, winning a match at a Grand Slam level is not an easy task. People underestimate the pressure and the nerves with being a part of one of the biggest tournaments of the year.
Throw in an injury and knowing you didn’t give yourself the best chance only adds to the mountain of pressure you face. So, feeling good physically is important,” Kyrgios told The Sydney Morning Herald. Next week, the Kooyong exhibition is also taking place.
Kyrgios may decide to play a match or two there so he avoids coming to Melbourne Park without any matches played leading up to the tournament.
