Nick Kyrgios in worrying injury update ahead of 2024 Australian Open

Aussie tennis star Nick Kyrgios appears to be a major doubt for next year's Australian Open after director Craig Tiley's latest development. Kyrgios recently appeared at the ATP Finals as a guest analysis.

The Aussie has missed nearly all of 2023 with a knee injury and more recently a wrist injury. Kyrgios said progress was being made during his time in Turin, but the 'stars would need to align" for him to play at the Open. Aussie fans are hoping his recovery comes in time for the first grand slam of the year in Melbourne.

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However, Australian Open director Tiley appeared to play down Kyrgios' chances after claiming the call would be made closer to the date. “We have spoken to Nick, and he obviously wants to do the best he possibly can to give him the best chance to play in January … Nick’s position will be determined closer to the event,” Tiley told reporters.

“I think whatever gets him the best chance to progress during the year … we have wildcard exchanges with the French and Wimbledon, so there’s an opportunity to really help an Australian player not just have one tournament to go into but several, so we’ll weigh that all up to make a decision – we’ve got wildcards to do that."

“Whether he’s playing, whether he’s doing something else, Nick will be here in January and to get him to play will be great, but we’ve got to take it as it comes and he’s got to take care of his health … because he’s not just got January, he’s got the entire year (ahead) too.”

Rafa Nadal remains a chance for Australian Open

The news is slightly better for Rafa Nadal. Last time, Nadal quelled the fanfare around him making it in time for the Australian Open after Tiley's update. This time, Tiley has been more measured over his comments, but reiterated Nadal wants to play next year.

"Rafa has been training, I follow him closely, probably every day, because he's a massive drawcard for us," Tiley said on Thursday. "He wants to play, he's obviously planning on playing … I'm certain Rafa will be here because he's not going to want to miss the opportunity to repeat what he did a couple of years ago."

Nadal only played one grand slam in 2023, which was the Australian Open. Unfortunately, the 22-time grand slam champion injured himself in his second round exit and didn't play tennis again in 2023. However, Nadal has been posting videos to social media and appears hard at work in an attempt to play one more year on the tour before his expected retirement.

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