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Nick Kyrgios Skips Australian Open Singles, Targets Doubles Comeback

Nick Kyrgios has announced he will not compete in singles at the upcoming Australian Open, choosing instead to focus on the doubles competition. The Australian player stated that while he is fit to play, he does not feel ready for the physical demands of best-of-five-set singles matches. Kyrgios has been plagued by serious injuries in recent years, including wrist and knee surgeries, which have drastically limited his play. He won the Australian Open men's doubles title in 2022 with partner Thanasi Kokkinakis.

Key Points: Kyrgios to Play Doubles Only at Australian Open 2025

  • Withdraws from AO singles
  • To focus on doubles with Kokkinakis
  • Citing recovery from injuries
  • Ranking slid to 673
2 min read

Nick Kyrgios says he'll play only doubles at Australian Open

Nick Kyrgios withdraws from Australian Open singles, citing fitness for five-setters. He will focus on doubles with partner Thanasi Kokkinakis.

"I'm fit and back on court, but 5-setters are a different beast and I'm not quite ready to go the distance yet. - Nick Kyrgios"

New Delhi, Jan 9

Nick Kyrgios has said that he will not feature in the Australian Open singles draw and instead will focus on doubles, where he is expected to again pair up with Thanasi Kokkinakis.

"After some good conversations with TA, I've made the call to focus on doubles for this year's AO. I'm fit and back on court, but 5-setters are a different beast and I'm not quite ready to go the distance yet," Kyrgios shared in his Instagram story section on Friday.

"This tournament means everything to me but I'd rather give my spot to someone who's ready to make their moment count. It's all building blocks and I'll be back next year and pumped to compete. See you out there," he added.

Nick played just five matches in 2025 before ending his season in March. He eased back into competition with a series of exhibition matches in New York and Dubai last month, then received a wildcard for the Brisbane International, where he lost 6-3, 6-4 to Aleksander Kovacevic in the first round on Tuesday.

Moreover, Kyrgios and his doubles partner, Thanasi Kokkinakis, were beaten by the French pair Sadio Doumbia and Fabien Reboul on Wednesday in the second round in Brisbane.

Kyrgios has endured a series of serious injuries in recent years, which have seen his world ranking slide to 673 and leave him without a protected ranking. The former Wimbledon finalist has featured in just one Grand Slam match since 2022.

He lifted the men's doubles title alongside fellow Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis at the Australian Open 2022 after defeating Matthew Ebden and Max Purcell in straight sets.

Since losing the 2022 Wimbledon final to Novak Djokovic, he has undergone a wrist reconstruction and two knee surgeries. He played only six professional singles matches across the past three years and none since Miami in March last year.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Respect for being honest about his fitness level. Many players would take the wildcard just for the appearance fee. At least he's giving a spot to a younger, fitter player. The 'Special Ks' doubles pairing is always fun to watch anyway!
R
Rohit P
His body seems completely broken. From a Wimbledon finalist to world no. 673... such a sad decline. Tennis needs characters like him, but maybe it's time to accept that his peak is long gone. Focus on commentary or coaching, bro.
S
Sarah B
As a fan, it's disappointing not to see him in singles. He brings so much energy and unpredictability. But health comes first. Hope he and Kokkinakis can recreate some of that 2022 magic in the doubles draw!
V
Vikram M
Wise decision. Indian fans remember how Saina and Sindhu had to manage comebacks after injuries. It's a marathon, not a sprint. Better to play it safe and build up slowly. All the best to him!
K
Karthik V
Honestly, a bit selfish to take a doubles wildcard too if he's not fully fit. He and Kokkinakis just lost early in Brisbane. Shouldn't that spot also go to a team that's been grinding on the circuit? Just my two paise.

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