Nick Kyrgios shared some disappointing news as the Australian tennis star is out of his exhibition match with Novak Djokovic due to an abdominal issue.
On Thursday, the 2022 Wimbledon finalists were scheduled to meet during the "A Night With Novak" event at Melbourne Park.
But after experiencing some discomfort in his abdomen and getting it checked, Kyrgios learned that he was dealing with a Grade 1 strain and therefore decided to withdraw from the exhibition so he could try to recover as well as possible for the Australian Open.
"Unfortunately won't be able to play my good friend @djokernole this Thursday on the 9th as I've had an ultrasound on my abdominal and have a grade 1 strain. Will be resting and doing everything I can to be OK by the Aus Open," the home star wrote in a message posted on his Instagram Story.
Will Kyrgios play the Australian Open amid wrist & abdominal concerns?
Last week, the 29-year-old appeared in one singles and two doubles matches at the Brisbane International in his first official tournament back.
While he did solid on the court, he was feeling his wrist during and after matches.
Following a three-set first-round loss to Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, the 2022 Wimbledon runner-uphinted he may not be ready yet for the best-of-five-sets action.
"After today I'm super excited for the Australian Open. If I'm able to play, I'm able to play. But the reality kind of set in for me... I think I almost need a miracle, and I need, like, the stars to align for my wrist to hold up in a Grand Slam for sure," he said.
After his Brisbane doubles quarterfinal loss with Djokovic, Kyrgiossaid he felt "throbbing" pain in his wrist.
Now that he is also dealing with an abdominal injury, it remains to be seen what Australian Open decision the 29-year-old will make in the upcoming days.
