MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Nick Kyrgios has pulled out of the Australian Open with a knee injury, a day before he was due to play his first round match.
Kyrgios was the runner-up in singles at Wimbledon last year and the men’s doubles champion at the Australian Open and considered the host nation’s strongest chance to win the title at Melbourne Park this year.
Kyrgios announced his withdrawal on Monday on Day 1 at the first Grand Slam of the year.
He spoke at a press conference in Melbourne Park, accompanied by his physical therapist.
Kyrgios was seeded 19th in Melbourne and was due to face Roman Safiullini in the first round on Tuesday.
“I’m just exhausted from everything. Obviously pretty harsh,” Kyrgios said of the decision to sit. “One of the most important tournaments of my career. It hasn’t been easy at all.”
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