Nick KYRGIOS (AUS) is seen at his press conference after he defeated Ugo HUMBERT (FRA) during Day 3 of the Australian Open at Melbourne Park on Wednesday, February 10, 2021. MANDATORY PHOTO CREDIT Tennis Australia/ VINCE CALIGIURI
The unpredictable future of Nick Kyrgios has been keeping Brisbane officials jumping, with the ATP-WTA event keeping a wild card spot open for the “missing” Aussie.
it’s anyone’s guess as to whether the 2022 Wimbledon finalist – who played just one match in 2023 – will be at the starting line when play begins on New Year’s Eve in Queensland,
Kyrgios has been battling fitness problems after January arthroscopic knee surgery along with a wrist complaint and has yet to commit to a definitive comeback to the courts.
The unranked Aussie was missing from Wednesday’s entry list, which is headed on the men’s side by the long-term injury return of Rafael Nadal, last seen in action in January.
But officials appear to be hoping against the odds that the controversial Canberra native can somehow front up in time to take a wild card.
“Nick is a day-by-day proposition at the moment. I think he said that himself,” TD Cam Pearson told local media.“Hopefully he’ll share his January plans very soon.
“We’ve got a couple of wildcards left and selectors have a big decision. There are a number of Aussies that are vying for those two wildcards.
“If Nick is fit, he’ll certainly be one of them. He’s coming back from some serious surgery and has to do what’s right for his preparation.”
Australian Open boss Craig Tiley is also dreaming of a comeback miracle in time for his Grand Slam’s start on January 14.
“The update is day-by-day with him,” Tiley said this week.
“He’ll be best to assess that … we’re going to have Nick here in some form or another in January.
“Hopefully it is to play because he’s a crowd-pleaser. We love watching Nick and love having him around.”
Kyrgios made his debut last month as a TV colour commentator during the ATP Finals in Turin with Melbourne officials hoping that in the worst case scenario he might want to reprise that act during the Open if all else fails.
Main photo:- Nick KYRGIOS press conference during the Australian Open2021 by – Tennis Australia/ VINCE CALIGIURI
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