Nick Kyrgios was forced to miss the French Open after suffering a setback in his return to tennis.
The Australian player returned to action after two years off the tour with a career-threatening injury at the Australian Open in January, losing to Jacob Fearnley in the opening round.
Kyrgios played at Indian Wells but retired at 0-3 in the second set after narrowly losing the first on a tie-breaker to Botic van de Zandschulp.
He then went to Miami and, after beating Mackenzie McDonald, he was knocked out in the round of 64 by Karen Khachanov.
It’s a blow that he’s not been able to play at the French Open, given that the tour is a better place with a character like Kyrgios around it.
Now, he’s provided an update to his fans ahead of the grass court season getting underway shortly after Roland Garros.
Nick Kyrgios confirms he’s out of Wimbledon
Add Wimbledon to the list of Grand Slams that fans won’t get to see a glimpse of Kyrgios with a racket in his hand.
The player has confirmed that he’s struck a bump in the road on his recovery trail and that he’s going to have to sit out this year’s event – and the grass court season.
He posted on Instagram: “Just wanted to give everyone a quick update – I’ve hit a small setback in my recovery and unfortunately won’t make it back for grass season this year.
“I know how much you’ve all been looking forward to seeing me out there, and I’m genuinely sorry to disappoint.
“This is just a bump in the road, though, and I’m already working hard to get back stronger than ever. Thank you for all your continued support – it means everything to me. See you soon.”
Kyrgios claim leaves question marks over future
Kyrgios was planning to enter the main draw of the major events this year on a protected world ranking, but his live standing right now is down at 635.
That is only going to make things difficult for Kyrgios when he does return, and after so long out of the game, barring a few matches, this is a worry.
At his best, Kyrgios reached a Wimbledon final, which he lost to Novak Djokovic, and he offered genuine hope at the 2022 event that he could one day win a Grand Slam.
Given that his injury is to do with his wrist, it’s definitely a cause for concern that Kyrgios has been forced to pull out of another event.
The game of tennis needs characters, however, and hopefully, Kyrgios can recover and get back on a tennis court before the year is out.
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