Injured Kyrgios raises eyebrows with basketball appearance
Nick Kyrgios has been spotted playing social basketball in Canberra just days after withdrawing from the Atlanta Open because of injury.
The defending champion in Atlanta, Kyrgios last week announced he would not be heading back because of ongoing hip issues.
"Having to make the decision not to defend my title at the BB&T Atlanta Open was really tough and disappointing," Kyrgios said in a statement.
“We were very hopeful up to the last moment that my hip could respond and allow me to compete at the highest level, but unfortunately it’s just not ready. I hope all of the fans in Atlanta know that I wish I could have returned to win again, and hopefully I will be able to do so in the future.”
Sorry to all at @BBTatlantaopen I'll definitely be back. ❤️🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/M57QyPTRvS
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) July 22, 2017
The same hip problems forced him to withdraw from his first round Wimbledon match, and looks set to force him into surgery in the near future.
Kyrgios recently said he would be ready for the upcoming US Open, but the World no.21 left many wondering if he's taking his rehab seriously when he was photographed playing in a local mixed basketball competition on Tuesday night.
Nick Kyrgios pulls out of Atlanta Open with hip strain, nek minnit Tues night mixed bball at Belco, ACT. 🏀 pic.twitter.com/PoHOJx86jy
— ABCcameramatt (@ABCcameramatt) July 25, 2017
An ABC cameraman took the photos and shared them on Twitter, sparking a range of reactions from punters.
Alternate Headline:
NEWS FLASH: Tuesday night casual domestic mixed basketball NOT as physically demanding as ATP Tennis Match. #Shocking— Mike or The Don (@mikeorthedon) July 25, 2017
You guys are seriously underestimating mixed basketball at Belco. That stuff gets real.
— Tom Gibson (@tomgibsoncomedy) July 25, 2017
@RCBSharks Surely it's his life and he doesn't have to play in any tournament he doesn't want to.
— Chris (@GeniusFreak91) July 25, 2017
Seems about right.
— Ian Harkin (@sportznut67) July 25, 2017
Ha! What a waste of talent? Or in need to step away from the game to just be a kid again?
— yippa82 (@YipFitPT) July 25, 2017
The majority of fans sided with Kyrgios in saying a mixed basketball game probably isn't a cause for concern, but you'd have to wonder whether the likes of Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal would be risking aggrevating an injury heading into a grand slam.
Kyrgios was also questioned in the aftermath of his Wimbledon withdrawal when he was spotted out on the town just hours later.