Nick Kyrgios has confirmed he will not compete in the singles draw at the upcoming Australian Open, opting instead to put his energy into the doubles competition in Melbourne. The decision marks a notable shift in approach for the Australian star as he continues his return from long-term injury setbacks.
Kyrgios explained that while he feels confident being back on court, the physical demands of five-set singles matches at Grand Slam level are still too intense at this stage of his recovery.
After dealing with multiple injuries in recent seasons, including issues with his wrist and knee, the 30-year-old believes doubles offers a more realistic and sustainable pathway back into top-level competition.
Rather than push his body too far too soon, Kyrgios has chosen to step aside from singles and allow another player to take his place in the main draw. He described the move as a respectful decision, saying he wants someone fully prepared for the rigors of Grand Slam singles tennis to have the opportunity.
The former Wimbledon finalist will now turn his attention to the men’s doubles event, where he is expected to team up again with fellow Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis. The pair, famously known for their entertaining style and strong chemistry, previously lifted the Australian Open doubles title and remain fan favorites whenever they take the court together.
By focusing on doubles, Kyrgios can still compete in front of home fans while carefully managing his workload and fitness. The shorter format and shared court responsibilities reduce strain on his body, giving him a chance to build confidence and momentum without unnecessary risk.
Kyrgios’s withdrawal from singles also opens the door for other players to benefit from wildcard opportunities, adding fresh storylines to the Australian Open draw. For now, attention will shift to whether Kyrgios and Kokkinakis can recreate their past success and deliver another exciting doubles run in Melbourne.
While his singles return will have to wait, Kyrgios’s presence at the Australian Open is far from diminished. His decision reflects a calculated and mature approach to prolonging his career, with the hope that patience now could lead to a stronger singles comeback in the future.
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