Nick Kyrgios: 'Almost need a miracle' to play in Australian Open

Field Level Media|published: Tue 31st December, 13:32 2024

Jul 12, 2024; London, United Kingdom; Nick Kyrgios of Australia works for the BBC during a match between Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Lorenzo Musetti of Italy on day 12 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images

Nick Kyrgios admitted Tuesday that he has reservations about his health heading into the upcoming Australian Open.

Kyrgios said he experienced a level of pain during his first singles match in 18 months due to a wrist injury, a three-set loss at the Brisbane International on Tuesday. Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard of France recorded a 7-6 (2), 6-7 (4), 7-6 (3) win over the 29-year-old Australian.

"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," Kyrgios said.

"That's a best-of-three match with my wrist. If I'm able to (play) not only is a Grand Slam mentally really draining, it's physically a grind. 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."

Grand Slam matches are best-of-five.

Kyrgios said he felt like he was "hit by a bus" after teaming up with Novak Djokovic to post a 6-4, 6-7 (4), 10-8 victory over Alexander Earler of Austria and Germany's Andreas Mies 6-4, 6-7 (4), 10-8 on Monday at the ATP 250 event.

"I was on the treatment table for an hour and a half before bed," Kyrgios said. "But we know that's how it's going to be. Even doubles, you just can't replicate the match pressure, the nervous energy. You're returning, like these guys are professionals. The doubles guys (on Monday), they were serving massive. It's still reflex and volleys.

"For my wrist, it's all new ground now. Today is another building block I think in the journey. I went from literally practicing with people unranked in Canberra to facing the biggest server in the world in a week. ... I think (Wednesday) it's going to be a bit of a rough day for my wrist, to be honest. It's very sore at the moment. We were expecting that. I'm going to do all the right things, and I'll be playing doubles, for sure."

Kyrgios rose to as high at No. 13 in the ATP rankings in 2016.

The Australian Open in Melbourne starts on Jan. 12.

--Field Level Media

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