Tide turns for Tiley as Kyrgios now an AO doubt

AO boss Craig Tiley has had to walk back his previous boast about Nick Kyrgios fronting up for the Grand Slam, with the administrator admitting he’s not so sure anymore.

The South African took great pains at last month’s Australian Open launch to tout the upcoming appearance of the volatile Aussie who has carried injuries since January and managed just one June match this season.

Now the top Melbourne suit is rolling back the tape and is also dangling a wild card entry to a payer whose ranking has fallen off the computer due to inactivity.

 “We have spoken to Nick, and he obviously wants to do the best he possibly can to give him the best chance to play in January,” Tiley said.

“Nick’s not only a brilliant tennis player but a pure entertainer so we always love seeing him on court and off court.

“Nick’s position will be determined closer to the event but anytime we can get Nick, it’s great for everyone.”

He added: “Whether he’s playing, whether he’s doing something else, Nick will be here in January and to get him to play will be great. 

“But we’ve got to take it as it comes and he’s got to make sure he takes care of his health because he’s not just got January, he’s got the entire year to contest.”