Nick Kyrgios dropped the bombshell on Saturday that many had expected, with the controversial player pulling out injured from the Aussie tennis summer.
The unranked 28-year-old who is just 18 months removed from his 2022 Wimbledon final, used his new OnlyFans platform to announce the bad news.
Kyrgios will miss his fifth Grand Slam event in a row after withdrawing last January from the Open and then undergoing a knee procedure.
He attempted to return last June in Stuttgart, but lost the only match he played in 2023 to a Chinese opponent.
Australian Open officials had been touted a possible Kyrgios appearance at Melbourne Park for weeks as the January 14 start of the major approaches.
But Kyrgios was having none of it:
“Hey guys, Nick Kyrgios here, obviously had a really tough year with injury, had that knee surgery and came back a little too soon (which) set me back a little bit, obviously had some wrist issues,” he posted in a video.
“So this is a very disappointing time for me but yeah I won’t be able to compete at the 2024 Australian Open.
“Obviously heartbreaking, I’ve had so many amazing memories there and I just want to really get back to playing at the top of my game and doing it right and I need a little more time.
“I was so close to winning a grand slam, I want to make sure that my body is going to have the time it needs to come back so please bear with me.”
Despite his absence from the court – and what could turn into a major drop in public interest from local fans – Kyrgios is planning to work in some capacity as a colour commentator for host broadcaster Nine.
“Even though I won’t be there competing this year at the AO, I still will be around, commentating matches, being around, I’ve got some special things planned, so please be excited still,”
“You know I’ll be there and hopefully see all the fans, I’ll see you there.”
