Nick Kyrgios has announced that he will not be competing in singles at the Australian Open due to concerns about his readiness for a five-set match. Instead, he plans to focus on doubles alongside Thanasi Kokkinakis, a partnership that was successful at the Australian Open last year.
The 30-year-old has struggled with injuries throughout his career, particularly affecting his wrist and knees since 2022. He played just six official singles matches in the past three years, including a loss to Aleksandar Kovacevic at the Brisbane International earlier this week.
Kyrgios cited his lack of readiness for a five-set match as his reason for withdrawing from singles competition. "I'm fit and back on court, but five-setters are a different beast and I'm not quite ready to go the distance yet," he said in an announcement on social media.
In doubles, Kyrgios has been more successful, particularly with Kokkinakis, who won the Australian Open title last year alongside him. The duo have been playing together on the exhibition circuit, including a victory over Matthew Ebden and Rajeev Ram at the Brisbane International earlier this week.
Gigi Salmon, a presenter for Sky Sports, was critical of Kyrgios's decision to withdraw from singles competition, calling it "pointless" given that he has hardly played in recent times. However, she acknowledged that Sabalenka's motives for competing in the "Battle of the Sexes" match may have been questionable.
The Australian Open is set to begin on January 18, with Kyrgios and Kokkinakis expected to feature in the doubles competition.
The 30-year-old has struggled with injuries throughout his career, particularly affecting his wrist and knees since 2022. He played just six official singles matches in the past three years, including a loss to Aleksandar Kovacevic at the Brisbane International earlier this week.
Kyrgios cited his lack of readiness for a five-set match as his reason for withdrawing from singles competition. "I'm fit and back on court, but five-setters are a different beast and I'm not quite ready to go the distance yet," he said in an announcement on social media.
In doubles, Kyrgios has been more successful, particularly with Kokkinakis, who won the Australian Open title last year alongside him. The duo have been playing together on the exhibition circuit, including a victory over Matthew Ebden and Rajeev Ram at the Brisbane International earlier this week.
Gigi Salmon, a presenter for Sky Sports, was critical of Kyrgios's decision to withdraw from singles competition, calling it "pointless" given that he has hardly played in recent times. However, she acknowledged that Sabalenka's motives for competing in the "Battle of the Sexes" match may have been questionable.
The Australian Open is set to begin on January 18, with Kyrgios and Kokkinakis expected to feature in the doubles competition.
... he's had a rough run lately with injuries & hasn't been playing much singles anyway. focusing on doubles is a good way for him to get back into competitive shape without putting too much pressure on himself.
. shouldn't we be focusing on why sabalenka is playing instead?
. Been struggling with injuries since 2022 and only played 6 official singles matches in past 3 years 
. Doubles is his strong suit, especially with Kokkinakis 
. Hope he can stay healthy and focus on doubles at Aussie Open 
his injuries are legit tho and he needs to prioritize his health more than some big tournament win 
he and kokkinakis r gonna crush it in doubles tho 
at least they dont have to deal with all the pressure that comes with singles competition 
.
. kyrgios and kokkinakis's doubles partnership is still pretty solid though, so hopefully they can bring some excitement to the australian open this year 