Published: 16:41, January 5, 2023 | Updated: 18:24, January 5, 2023
Kyrgios pulls out of Australian Open warm-up event
By Xinhua

Nick Kyrgios of Eagles, reacts against Grigor Dimitrov of Falcons, during a match of day three of the World Tennis League at Coca-Cola Arena, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Dec 21, 2022. (KAMRAN JEBREILI / AP)

CANBERRA - Top-ranked Australian Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from the Adelaide International as he races to recover from an ankle injury before the Australian Open.

Organizers in Adelaide on Wednesday night announced that Kyrgios will not compete in week two of the tournament, which is named as "Adelaide International 2", due to start from January 9.

It comes days after the world No 22 withdrew from Australia's team for the United Cup due to an ankle injury.

We know that the Adelaide International was a key lead up event for Nick and I know he is disappointed to not be able to play in Adelaide this year. We wish him well for the Australian Open... We wish him well with his preparation for the Australian Open and I hope he recovers in time.

Alistair MacDonald, Adelaide International Tournament Director 

It means Kyrgios will enter the Australian Open, which begins on January 16, without having played a competitive match since October.

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There are two ATP-WTA Adelaide Internationals this month, with Novak Djokovic headlining the first one this week, while Kyrgios was due to play in the second next week, alongside the likes of Andrey Rublev and Lorenzo Musetti.

In a statement, the Adelaide International said it was disappointed by Kyrgios's absence but understands that his health takes priority.

"We know that the Adelaide International was a key lead up event for Nick and I know he is disappointed to not be able to play in Adelaide this year. We wish him well for the Australian Open," tournament director Alistair MacDonald said.

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"We wish him well with his preparation for the Australian Open and I hope he recovers in time."

Kyrgios, who made his first Grand Slam final at Wimbledon in 2022, will be replaced by a wildcard entrant.