Nick Kyrgios 'shattered' in sad announcement before US Open
Nick Kyrgios' preparations for next month's US Open have been dealt a blow, with the Aussie forced to withdraw from the Atlanta Open due to injury.
The World No.47 - who lost the Wimbledon final to Novak Djokovic earlier this month - was slated to play German Peter Gojowczyk in the round of 32 at the ATP 250 event.
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However, the Aussie took to the court to inform the crowd of his decision to pull out because of a reported left knee injury.
"I'm extremely shattered that I'm not able to compete tonight," the 27-year-old said.
"I've won this tournament once and am probably playing some of the best tennis of my career and all I wanted to do was come out here and give you guys a show.
"I'm not able to give out my best performance and I'm extremely sorry and I'm going to keep my hopes up that I may be able to continue doubles with Thanasi.
"I hope you won't be too hard on me ... I love you guys and hopefully next year I will be able to compete and give it my all."
Tennis fans also took to social media to share their disappointment and wish Kyrgios a speedy recovery ahead of the US Open.
gutted to not be able to watch @NickKyrgios live playing this week in Atlanta but recovery is the most important thing, hope to see him well at winston salem
— herta my beloved (@f1veredlights) July 27, 2022
Kyrgios night match cancelled pic.twitter.com/Yxsr8vm4h4
— Brightskin Capo (@BrightskinCapo3) July 27, 2022
very very few would give a heartfelt words to that fans mad respect for @NickKyrgios …..class act https://t.co/It64pscKBH
— James Paris (@jwlouzo) July 27, 2022
So bummed. Be well 💪🏻
— Corey Mullen (@CoreyMullen12) July 27, 2022
I give Nick a lot of credit for coming out and addressing the fans... don't think I've ever seen anyone do that after pulling out. Hopefully he's fully healthy in time to win the US Open 🤞
— Adam Belue (@albinomamba44) July 27, 2022
Nick Kyrgios' US Open preparations dealt a blow
Kyrgios said he may still be available to continue in the doubles with fellow Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis, with the pair scheduled to play tomorrow.
The Aussie duo, who won this year's Australian Open doubles title, won their first-round encounter against French pairing Nicholas Mahut and Edouard Roger-Vasselin.
Kyrgios, who won the Atlanta tournament in 2016, struggled with a shoulder during his incredible run to the Wimbledon final earlier in the month.
The 27-year-old this week confirmed that he had accepted a wildcard from tournament organisers to compete in next month's Southern & Western Open.
The hardcourt tournament - where Kyrgios finished runner-up in 2017 - will be the biggest step up in competition before the US Open.
Kyrgios was forced to accept a wildcard with his World No.45 ranking falling just outside the automatic qualification spots.
The Southern & Western Open has a strong entry list with World No.1 Daniil Medvedev and 22-time grand slam champ Rafa Nadal expected to play.
with AAP
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