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'Heartbreaking': Nick Kyrgios' support for shattered Australian Open hopeful

Chris Young

Nick Kyrgios has thrown his support behind fellow Aussie Alex de Minaur, after the 20-year-old confirmed he had to pull out of next week’s Australian Open.

de Minaur, the world no.21 heading into the first Grand Slam of 2020, announced he was withdrawing form the tournament on Thursday afternoon.

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An abdominal injury that worsened during the ATP Cup earlier in January had already forced him to withdraw from the Adelaide International warm-up tournament, but de Minaur was unable to recover in time for the Australian open as well.

Kyrgios, who won a memorable doubles tie against Great Britain alongside de Minaur during the ATP Cup, took to Twitter to pump up his injured countryman before later describing the news as ‘heartbreaking’.

“It’s heartbreaking, to be honest,” Kyrgios said.

“It’s tough news, hopefully fingers crossed it’s not too serious and he can recover as soon as possible.

“I had a feeling he was going to do some big things this Australian Open, the way he was playing.

Nick Kyrgios, right, has described Alex de Minaur's injury enforced withdrawal from the Australian Open as 'heartbreaking'.
Nick Kyrgios has described Alex de Minaur's injury enforced withdrawal from the Australian Open as 'heartbreaking'. (Photo by WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images)

“That match against Rafa (Nadal) we all saw how good he can be.

“I hope it’s not too bad.“He’s a great kid and I know how much work he has put in the last four months for this event.”

Injured de Minaur struggling to get out of bed

Despite initially showing some optimism that he would be able to recover in time for the Australian Open, de Minaur revealed on Thursday that the injury was worse than initially feared.

The 20-year-old said he was struggling to get out of bed, such was the extent of the issue.

“Everyone was telling me not to play,” de Minaur said.

“Getting out of bed hurt. Everyday activity hurt.

“It’s not great, I’m not going to lie. It’s pretty devastating to miss out on my home grand slam.

“I’ve got a 4 centimetre grade two tear. It’s serious. Even though it killed me, it’s the right decision.”

WITH AAP