Kyrgios in race to be fit for Melbourne

Nick Kyrgios has pulled out of the Adelaide International next week and now faces a race against the clock to be ready for Australian Open, which begins on January 16.

Kyrgios is still recovering from an ankle injury and hasn’t played since October. He withdrew from the United Cup before Christmas as the extent of his injury became clear.

Kyrgios’ manager Daniel Horsfall has taken a swipe at critics who have doubted whether he was injured.

“We are very excited and working every day to make sure we‘re ready for the Australian Open,” Horsfall told The Melbourne Age newspaper.

“A lot of people were upset after he pulled out of the United Cup, but I hope they now realise the injury is genuine. I wish more people would ask questions before putting in their two cents.”

Australian Open boss Craig Tiley said he’d been in regular contact with Kyrgios’ management and was confident he’d be ready to start the event.

“I have spoken to his team and he’s doing everything to make sure he gives himself the best opportunity to be the fittest he can for when we start on Monday,” Tiley said.

“At 3pm on Thursday, the 13th, we will be doing the draw and we’ll be deciding on Friday which half of the draw (plays) on Monday or Tuesday.

“We’ll know who plays when and what slots.”