In a disappointing turn of events, Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has been forced to withdraw from Wimbledon just hours before the tournament’s commencement. Kyrgios, who reached his first-ever Grand Slam final at the All England Club last year, announced his withdrawal on social media following the official statement from Wimbledon.
The 28-year-old was seeded 30th in the men’s draw and had been scheduled to face David Goffin in a highly anticipated opening-round clash. However, a lingering wrist injury has prevented Kyrgios from taking to the hallowed grass courts this year. He expressed his sadness and frustration in an online post, explaining that a recent scan revealed a torn ligament in his wrist.
The injury setback adds to Kyrgios’s already challenging season, which began with his withdrawal from the Australian Open due to a knee injury that required surgery. Subsequently, he also missed the French Open. Now, with his Wimbledon withdrawal, Kyrgios has missed out on participating in the first three Grand Slam tournaments of the year, depriving him of the exhilarating experiences that he thrives upon.
Reflecting on his physical condition in a pre-tournament press conference, Kyrgios admitted to having doubts about his readiness for the demanding best-of-five-set matches that define Grand Slam competition. Comparing this year’s preparation to the ideal lead-up he had last year, he acknowledged the stark differences and uncertainties he faced.
The Australian’s appearance at Wimbledon in 2022 was marked by both on-court theatrics and exceptional performances. Amidst controversial incidents, such as spitting in the direction of a fan and engaging in heated exchanges with opponents and the media, Kyrgios displayed superb tennis skills. Despite his then-ranking of No. 40, he defied expectations and advanced to the tournament’s final, where he won the first set against Novak Djokovic before ultimately succumbing in four hard-fought sets.
While Kyrgios had expressed optimism about his physical condition and preparation, fate had other plans for him. The setback further prolongs his absence from competitive tennis, as he has played only a single match since October of the previous year.
In an interview conducted just before the news of his withdrawal broke, Kyrgios confessed that he did not miss the sport during his extended time away. With a wry smile, he even hinted at some reluctance to return to the court, acknowledging that playing tennis is, after all, his profession.
With Kyrgios’s absence at this year’s Wimbledon, fans will miss out on his unique brand of entertainment and shot-making prowess. However, the determined Australian remains hopeful, vowing to take things one day at a time and focus on his recovery and future opportunities to showcase his talent.
Sadly, for now, Nick Kyrgios’s Wimbledon journey must be put on hold, leaving fans eagerly anticipating his return to the sport he both loves and sometimes loves to hate.