Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from Wimbledon 2023 with a wrist injury.
The Australian, 28, lost to Novak Djokovic in last year’s men’s singles final and has only played one tournament this year because of a knee injury that required surgery.
Kyrgios announced on Sunday evening that he had torn a ligament in his wrist during his comeback.
“I’m really sad to say that I have to withdraw from Wimbledon this year,” he posted on Instagram.
“I tried my hardest to be ready after my surgery and to be able to step on the Wimbledon courts again. During my comeback, I experienced some pain in my wrist during the week of Mallorca. As a precaution, I had it scanned and it came back showing a torn ligament in my wrist. I tried everything to be able to play and I am disappointed to say that I just didn’t have enough time to manage it before Wimbledon. I will be back and, as always, I appreciate the support from all my fans,” he said
Kyrgios was seeded 30th and was set to face Belgian David Goffin in the opening round.
Wimbledon responded to Kyrgios’ withdrawal by wishing him a ‘swift recovery’ on social media.
“Sorry to hear your news Nick Kyrgios. Wishing you a swift recovery and hope to see you back on our courts next year,” Wimbledon tweeted.
The start of an injury-hit season saw Kyrgios pull out of the Australian Open in January, a decision made on the eve of the tournament that left him “devastated”.
Surgery on a cyst growing in his meniscus quickly followed and he was not able to return to competitive action until June.
Kyrgios suffered a first-round loss to China’s Wu Yibing at the Stuttgart Open, struggling with his movement during a straight-set defeat, then pulled out of the Halle Open the following week.
He had been practising at the All England Club this week, saying his body felt ‘OK’ after sets against fellow Australian Jordan Thompson and American Maxime Cressy.
Kyrgios, known for his fiery temperament as well as his exciting tennis, reached his maiden major final at Wimbledon last year. He took the opening set before losing in four sets to Novak Djokovic.www.bbc.com