04 January 2023 , 12:51
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Nick Kyrgios has sparked major doubts over his participation in the Australian Open after withdrawing from another tournament down under.
The controversial star hit the headlines last week when he pulled out of the United Cup at the 11th hour, prompting a war of words with Aussie co-captain Lleyton Hewitt. The 27-year-old accused Hewitt of "throwing me under a bus" after the captain spoke of his frustration over the development minutes before the pre-tournament press conference.
Kyrgios, a Wimbledon finalist last year, claimed he had picked up an ankle injury in training the day before the team event began. But he had still been due to compete in the Adelaide International 2 event that starts this coming Saturday, January 10.
"The Adelaide International can confirm that Nick Kyrgios will not compete in Week 2 of the tournament," said organisers in a released statement. "The Adelaide International wishes Nick Kyrgios the best of luck and a quick recovery, understanding the importance of the Australian Open preparation. He is welcome back to the Adelaide International anytime."
The latest development has raised fears that the Canberra man won't be fit to take part in his home Grand Slam, that gets underway on January 16. Despite only reaching the second round last year, his 'Special K' partnership with Thanasi Kokkinakis proved one of the stories of the tournament.
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The pair waltzed their way to the men's doubles title, a first Slam trophy of any time for Kyrgios. However, he had been expected to also be a threat in the singles this year, having enjoyed a profitable 2022.
Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis celebrate winning the doubles final last year (Ella Ling/REX/Shutterstock)As so often is the case with Kyrgios though, he's voiced some outspoken opinions in the build-up to the Grand Slam at Melbourne Park. He insinuated he would retire if he lifted the silverware in Melbourne and claimed that European players didn't understand the rigours of travelling on the tour.
“No other tennis player that’s not from Australia gets that,” he told Eurosport. “It’s easy for a European or an American player to lose or win a tournament, then you take a five-hour flight back home and you spend a week there before the next event.
"Whereas as an Australian, you’re doing like four to seven months travel blocks. Honestly, I don’t think it’s healthy. No other real athlete does that in the world, in any sport. Doing seven months on your own."