Former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios announced on Friday that he will skip the singles competition at this month’s Australian Open. Saying he is not yet prepared to compete in five-set matches.
The 30-year-old, who reached the quarter-finals of his home Grand Slam in 2015 has battled a series of injuries in recent seasons. He will feature only in the doubles competition at the tournament, which begins at Melbourne Park on January 18.
Kyrgios has slipped to world number 670 and would have required a wildcard to compete in the singles draw.
Tennis Australia (TA) said on Friday, Stan Wawrinka has been awarded a wildcard, marking what will be the three-time Grand Slam champion’s final before he retires at the end of the season.
Australian Kyrgios said,
“After some good conversations with TA I have made the call to focus on doubles for this year’s AO.”
“I am fit and back on court, but five-setters are a different beast and I am not quite ready to go the distance yet.”
“This tournament means everything to me, but I had rather give my spot to someone who’s ready to make their moment count.”
“It is all building blocks and I will be back next year and pumped to compete. See you out there soon.”
Kyrgios has undergone wrist reconstruction surgery and two knee operations since his loss to Novak Djokovic in the 2022 Wimbledon final.
He was beaten in straight sets by Aleksander Kovacevic in the opening round of the Brisbane Open on Tuesday. Kyrgios previously won the men’s doubles title at the Australian Open in 2022, partnering compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis.
Wawrinka, announced last month that he will hang up his racket at the end of 2026 and won the first of his three Grand Slam titles at Melbourne Park. The 40-year-old said he was delighted to receive the wildcard.
Stan Wawrinka said,
“Winning the 2014 Australian Open has my first Grand Slam title is an absolute career highlight for me, so I am incredibly grateful to receive this wildcard.”
“I have the chance to play the Australian Open at the beginning of my final year on tour means the world to me.”
In this time Australians Jordan Thompson and Chris O’Connell also received wildcards.
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