Nick Kyrgios’ injury concerns worsen as he withdraws from another tournament following early Australian Open exit

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Nick Kyrgios had struggled with injury for several years before making his return ahead of the 2025 Australian Open.

One of the biggest stars on the ATP Tour has been unable to entertain fans on the court over recent years, as he continues to struggle with injury.

Kyrgios was told he may never play tennis again after undergoing experimental wrist surgery during his time away from the sport.

The Aussie returned to tennis at the Brisbane International, where those same injury problems resurfaced during his defeat to Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.

At the Australian Open, Kyrgios lost to Jacob Fearnley in the first round, as he battled against a fresh abdominal issue throughout.

It was recently confirmed that Kyrgios would return to Indian Wells following his latest injury, but he was first expected to make an appearance at an exhibition tournament in February.

A recent announcement may worry fans who are expecting to see Kyrgios in California next month as his injury problems persist.

Nick Kyrgios ‘just couldn’t make it’ to Ultimate Tennis Showdown event in Guadalajara due to injury

Kyrgios was scheduled to appear at the Ultimate Tennis Showdown (UTS) event in Guadalajara, Mexico, later this week.

The exhibition tournament recently took to social media, to announce that the Australian star will no longer be participating, revealing his replacement.

“Fabio Fognini is back at UTS,” they said.

“The Italian who was part of UTS4 in 2021, will play our Guadalajara event this week.

“He replaces Nick Kyrgios, who did everything he could to overcome his injury from the Australian Open but just couldn’t make it.

“Fognini takes his place in group A.”

Kyrgios appeared at the UTS event in New York last year, where he took on Norway’s Casper Ruud.

Unsure of how he would perform while struggling with his wrist injury, Kyrgios shocked fans by taking down the top-ten star to advance to the semi-finals.

“I wasn’t expecting to play this well at all,” he said after the match.

“Coming out here and still having that level, it’s amazing, what a way to come back.

“It’s been a brutal 11 months, I didn’t know if I was going to play tennis again with the state of my wrist.”

His wrist couldn’t quite hold up in New York, as he withdrew ahead of his semi-final clash with Gael Monfils.

Monfils then took down Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Bublik to clinch the title.

Who will be playing at the Ultimate Tennis Showdown Guadalajara event?

Kyrgios’ replacement Fognini, will be joined by seven top ATP stars in Guadalajara later this week.

Ruud will likely be the favorite in Mexico but will face stiff opposition from 2025 Dallas Open champion Denis Shapovalov, who beat him in last week’s final.

Young stars Flavio Cobolli and Jakub Mensik will make their UTS debuts in Guadalajara, as the former embraces the Mexican culture ahead of the tournament.

Cobolli can be seen trying on Mexican ‘Luchador’ masks, which are often seen in professional wrestling, one of the nation’s favorite sports.

Ruud and Tomas Machac have shared their thoughts on the tournament before the action gets underway later this week.

“I’ve just arrived to Guadalajara, so excited to be here, the weather is fantastic,” said Ruud.

“I’m really looking forward to playing tennis here in this city, first time for me so hope their will be a lot of fans.

“I’m always excited to be in a new place, so can’t wait for Friday and Saturday.”

“I’m here in Guadalajara, I’m really looking forward to playing this weekend,” added Machac.

The UTS event in Guadalajara will begin on Friday, February 14, and will conclude with the final on Sunday, 16.