Nick Kyrgios, the Australian tennis star, raised worries on Thursday as he pulled out of an exhibition match against Novak Djokovic due to an abdominal injury. This comes just before the 2025 Australian Open, which kicks off on January 12. Kyrgios hasn’t competed in the Australian Open since 2022.
In a message on Instagram, Kyrgios shared that he had an ultrasound and discovered a grade one abdominal strain. He said, “Unfortunately, I won’t be able to play my good friend Novak Djokovic this Thursday. I’ll be resting and doing everything I can to be OK for the Australian Open.” Kyrgios is hopeful he can still participate in the tournament.
This injury is another setback for the former Wimbledon finalist, who returned to the tennis circuit last week after being away for over a year due to a wrist injury. Before that, he also had knee problems that kept him from the 2023 Australian Open. Kyrgios had to undergo three surgeries for a serious injury.
Now 29, Kyrgios is at risk of missing the Australian Open for the third consecutive year and hasn’t played in a Grand Slam match since the 2022 US Open. His participation in Australia’s Davis Cup match against Sweden on January 31 is also uncertain.
Currently unranked, Kyrgios has a protected ranking of No. 21 for this tournament. He only played three matches this season at the Brisbane International. He lost to French player Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in his return to singles play but teamed up with Djokovic for doubles, although they were eliminated in the second round.
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