Kyrgios pulls out of Djokovic exhibition ahead of Australian Open

Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from an exhibition event with Novak Djokovic that was scheduled for Thursday due to an abdominal strain. This raises further concerns about the former Wimbledon finalist’s chances of making his comeback at the Australian Open later this month. Kyrgios, who has faced multiple injuries since losing to Djokovic in the 2022 Wimbledon final, announced on Wednesday that he would not be participating in the ‘A Night With Novak’ event at Rod Laver Arena because of this issue.

“Unfortunately, I won’t be able to play my good friend @djokernole this Thursday, the 9th, as I had an abdominal ultrasound and have been diagnosed with a grade 1 strain,” the Australian posted on Instagram.

“I will be resting and doing everything I can to be ready for the Australian Open.”

The 29-year-old has faced ongoing issues with knee, foot, and wrist injuries and had already expressed concerns about his participation in this year’s first Grand Slam after a loss to Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard at the Brisbane International last week.

Kyrgios, who last played at the Australian Open in 2022, said after his defeat in Brisbane he was worried that his wrist would not hold up at a Grand Slam.

Despite his fitness concerns, Kyrgios has been named in Australia’s Davis Cup squad to face Sweden on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1.

The Australian Open begins on Jan. 12 at Melbourne Park.