Nick Kyrgios' worrying announcement just days before Wimbledon
Nick Kyrgios has suffered a worrying injury scare just days out from Wimbledon, announcing his withdrawal from the Mallorca Championships on Wednesday.
The Australian No.2 withdrew from the tournament on Wednesday before he was due to face Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut in the last-16, citing an abdominal injury.
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The news followed a gruelling contest on Tuesday evening in which the World No.45 came back from a set down to beat Serbia's Laslo Djere 5-7 7-6 (7-1) 7-6 (7-1).
"I'm really sorry I'm going to have to withdraw from tonight's match here in Mallorca," Kyrgios said in a statement released by the organisers.
"I have been playing a lot of great matches lately and unfortunately I woke up with a pain in my abs.
"I went to see the tournament doctor right away and he advised that I don't play tonight. I really value the Mallorca Championships but I will follow his advice as I don't want to risk Wimbledon next week.
"I was really looking forward to tonight's match as I've been loving my time here. Mallorca is such a beautiful island with really nice people."
Javier Cerrato, the tournament doctor, said: "Nick Kyrgios suffers pain in the rectus abdominis on the left side due to the accumulation of matches in recent weeks and the effort of yesterday's first round match.
"This will not allow him to return to the court tonight."
The sad news ends a sparkling run on the grass-courts for Kyrgios, which has seen him reach two semi-finals in two weeks in Stuttgart and Halle.
It also prevented the prospect of a blockbuster quarter-final against World No.1 Daniil Medvedev, who later beat Aslan Karatsev 4-6 6-3 6-2.
Fans expressed their sadness for Kyrgios and wished him all the best for his recovery in time for Wimbledon.
Nick get well soon we need you at Wimbledon
— Susan Silver (@DollyDazzle) June 22, 2022
And NK is playing so well. Hope you're well enough to play Wimby next week! All the best🙏🏾
— Marsha Julessa (@julessa3) June 22, 2022
Intriguing no doubt & sad & unfortnate also. Kyrgios was playing so well these days. He'd won his match fighting every inch of the way in tie-breaks of second & third sets & won them. Only four days left before Wimbedon starts. Big setback.
— Lachhmandass Bhatia (@LachhmandassB) June 22, 2022
I think this year his fitness is much better than in 2021. Already played a lot on grass and I think just by withdrawing he wants to have more time to prepare for Wimbledon, as it would be too risky to come to SW19 after playing almost three full weeks in a row
— Vilius Žukas (@vilzuxas) June 22, 2022
NOOOOOO, im so mad dam thats annoying
— Matthew__Tabet (@tabet_matthew) June 22, 2022
😥😥😥😥
i was really looking forward to his match against RBA n possibly Medvedev (he's tortured him before lol)— rick marsonet (@RMarsonet) June 22, 2022
Nick Kyrgios slams ATP's off-court coaching trial
Kyrgios later took to social media to express his views about the ATP's plans to trial off-court coaching, saying he believes the unique nature of the sport is being removed by the experiment.
The ATP will trial the system in the second half of the season, with players allowed to get instructions during qualifying and main draw matches in tournaments - including the US Open and ATP Finals.
Patrick Mouratoglou, who previously coached Serena Williams until their recent split, congratulated the ATP for "legalising a practice that has been going on at almost every match for decades".
However Kyrgios was adamant in his opposition of Mouratoglou's views.
"Completely disagree. Loses one of the only unique traits that no other sport had," Kyrgios responded on Twitter.
"The player had to figure out things on his own. That was the beauty of it. What happens if a high profile player versus a low ranked player who doesn't have or (cannot) afford a coach?"
Completely disagree. Loses one of the only unique traits that no other sport had. The player had to figure out things on his own. That was the beauty of it. What happens if a high profile player versus a low ranked player who doesn’t have or afford a coach?
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) June 22, 2022
Mouratoglou was involved in the most high-profile case of off-court coaching at the 2018 US Open final when Williams was given a warning for his apparent gesturing.
Williams later received a game penalty when she received her third code violation, eventually losing to Naomi Osaka amid controversial scenes.
The new trial is set to begin on July 11, the day after Wimbledon ends.
with AAP
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