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World number 22 Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from the Adelaide International 2 tournament. The 27-year-old Kyrgios was scheduled to start his 2023 season at the inaugural United Cup. But just one day before the tournament, Kyrgios withdrew.
of the tournament. In late December, Kyrgios suffered an ankle injury while playing in the inaugural World Tennis League in Dubai. Now Kyrgios has also withdrawn from the Adelaide International 2, which takes place next week.
This week is the Adelaide International 1. Unfortunately for the Adelaide tennis community, they won't get the chance to see Kyrgios in action playing there before the Australian Open. Following Kyrgios' withdrawal, a main draw berth at Adelaide 2 opened up for Kyle Edmund.
Kyrgios' late withdrawal from the United Cup sparked outrage in Australia. After receiving backlash over his decision to withdraw from the United Cup, Kyrgios explained his decision. In an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, Kyrgios noted that being in top form is the key to a deep Grand Slam career.
As he is fully focused on winning his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, he did not want to risk aggravating his injury by playing in the United Cup. "Anyone who plays professionally knows that for sure. Anyone outside of that wouldn't quite understand it.
Whether played or not, winning a match at a Grand Slam is no easy task. People underestimate the pressure and nerves of participating in one of the biggest tournaments of the year. If we add to that an injury and the certainty that the best opportunities have not been given, the pressure is even greater.
So feeling good physically is important," Kyrgios told The Sydney Morning Herald.
Benjamin Bonzi praises Kyrgios
World No. 60 Benjamin Bonzi believes the pace at which Nick Kyrgios plays is a highly impressive part of his game.
"Nick (Kyrgios) is kind of impressive on the court. He takes a lot of pace," Benjamin Bonzi said in response to Sportskeeda during a press conference at the 2023 Tata Open Maharashtra. "It was a pretty good experience, it was close to a final set.
If you want to improve on the tour, you have to face those players, to learn how to play against them and how to live those matches. It's not easy on the emotional part," the 26-year-old expressed. Next week the Kooyong exhibition will also take place.
Kyrgios may decide to play a game or two there to avoid arriving at Melbourne Park without having played a game before the tournament.