Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios announced his withdrawal from Wimbledon on Sunday due to a wrist injury, leaving the tournament without one of its star attractions.
This comes a year after Kyrgios finished as the runner-up to Novak Djokovic, making headlines with his fiery style of play. In an Instagram post, the 28-year-old expressed his disappointment, revealing that he injured his wrist while preparing for a tournament in Mallorca last week.
Kyrgios had been facing uncertainty regarding his fitness in the lead-up to Wimbledon, as he was still recovering from knee surgery, which limited him to just one match this year.
Despite his best efforts to recover and return to the Wimbledon courts, Kyrgios experienced wrist pain during his comeback in Mallorca. A precautionary scan revealed a torn ligament, ultimately forcing him to withdraw from the tournament.
Expressing gratitude to his fans for their support, Kyrgios vowed to come back stronger. He was scheduled to face wild card David Goffin in the first round, but his spot will now be filled by a lucky loser from the qualifying rounds.
Kyrgios, who played only one match in 2023 at the Stuttgart tournament last month, described his battle to regain full fitness as “brutal.” Although he admitted to some apprehension about returning to the sport, he emphasized his commitment to his job. There are lingering doubts about his ability to perform in best-of-five-set matches after such a long absence.
Kyrgios’ previous appearances at Wimbledon were marked by controversial incidents and intense clashes with opponents and officials. He faced fines for spitting and shouting obscenities during matches, garnering significant media attention. Reflecting on his time away from the sport, Kyrgios acknowledged the mixed emotions, considering his achievements and the toll on his body.
Beyond the tennis court, he faced personal challenges, including the theft of his car at gunpoint and legal issues related to assaulting a former girlfriend. Kyrgios has also been a prominent figure in the Netflix series “Break Point,” where he candidly discussed his mental health struggles, including thoughts of suicide.
With a renewed focus on his well-being, Kyrgios expressed his improved state of mind and acknowledged the expectations he places on himself. While he falls short of the previous year’s success, he remains determined to make a comeback in the future.
