MELBOURNE - Australian star Nick Kyrgios withdrew from the Australian Open on Monday, ending local hopes that he might be able to end the nation's long wait for a home men's champion.
The 27-year-old, runner-up at Wimbledon in 2022, revealed he had suffered a torn meniscus and decided to pull out after a hitting practice session with doubles partner Thanasi Kokkinakis.
"I'm devastated, obviously," he said at a hastily arranged press conference at Melbourne Park. "I've had some great tournaments here, winning the doubles last year and playing the tennis of my life probably going into this event.
"Pretty brutal, one of the most important tournaments of my year and it hasn't been easy.
"There's a mixture of emotions...just bad timing, but that's life. Injuries are part of the sport." The 17th seed was scheduled to play Russia's Roman Safiullin on Tuesday.
This story is from the January 17, 2023 edition of The Straits Times.
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This story is from the January 17, 2023 edition of The Straits Times.
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