Australian Open 2026: Kyrgios Withdraws from Singles Due to Injury Concerns
Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has shared a major update ahead of the 2026 Australian Open, reshaping expectations for the home Grand Slam. On January 9, 2026, Kyrgios announced that he will not compete in the singles event at Melbourne Park, citing his ongoing recovery from serious injuries and multiple surgeries.
At 30, Kyrgios has endured a difficult period since reaching the 2022 Wimbledon final. His career has been disrupted by a series of medical setbacks, including wrist reconstruction and two knee surgeries, which have kept him largely away from the professional circuit. As a result, his singles ranking has fallen sharply to No. 670, well below his career peak.
In his statement, Kyrgios explained that while he is fit enough to step onto the court, the physical demands of best-of-five-set matches at a Grand Slam still pose too great a challenge for his recovering body. He added that after discussions with Tennis Australia, he decided to focus solely on doubles this January, believing it offers the best opportunity to compete without risking further strain.
Kyrgios’s withdrawal from the singles event has opened the door for other players to compete in the main draw. Tennis Australia has awarded one of its coveted singles wildcards to Stan Wawrinka, the 2014 Australian Open champion, who has announced that this will be his final season before retirement. Wildcards have also been handed to Australian players Jordan Thompson and Chris O’Connell, reflecting both national interest and the competitive merit of emerging and returning stars.
Kyrgios’s decision underscores the physical toll that has defined the later stages of his career. His most recent singles match came at the Brisbane International, where he was defeated in straight sets by American Aleksandar Kovacevic. This was his first match in nearly six months and highlighted just how far he is from the form that once brought him to the top tiers of the sport.
Despite not contesting singles, Kyrgios plans to compete in doubles alongside longtime friend and partner Thanasi Kokkinakis, the duo famously known as the “Special Ks”. Their partnership brought them the Australian Open doubles title in 2022, and they added intrigue and local support to the doubles draw at Melbourne Park.
The news marks a nuanced chapter in Kyrgios’s journey. At times explosive and unpredictable on the tour, he remains a fan favourite and a compelling figure in tennis. While the decision to sit out singles might temper expectations for his Grand Slam success this year, his presence in doubles still offers home fans something to cheer. As he continues his gradual return, Kyrgios has emphasized that this is a strategic move, one aimed at longevity and eventual return to full competition.
Ultimately, Kyrgios’s choice spotlights the broader challenge athletes face when returning from serious injury: balancing ambition with wellbeing, and choosing battles that enhance long-term prospects over short-term glory. His Australian Open 2026 chapter will be played at the net rather than from the baseline but it remains an important one for both his career and the tournament narrative.
At 30, Kyrgios has endured a difficult period since reaching the 2022 Wimbledon final. His career has been disrupted by a series of medical setbacks, including wrist reconstruction and two knee surgeries, which have kept him largely away from the professional circuit. As a result, his singles ranking has fallen sharply to No. 670, well below his career peak.
In his statement, Kyrgios explained that while he is fit enough to step onto the court, the physical demands of best-of-five-set matches at a Grand Slam still pose too great a challenge for his recovering body. He added that after discussions with Tennis Australia, he decided to focus solely on doubles this January, believing it offers the best opportunity to compete without risking further strain.
Kyrgios’s withdrawal from the singles event has opened the door for other players to compete in the main draw. Tennis Australia has awarded one of its coveted singles wildcards to Stan Wawrinka, the 2014 Australian Open champion, who has announced that this will be his final season before retirement. Wildcards have also been handed to Australian players Jordan Thompson and Chris O’Connell, reflecting both national interest and the competitive merit of emerging and returning stars.
Kyrgios’s decision underscores the physical toll that has defined the later stages of his career. His most recent singles match came at the Brisbane International, where he was defeated in straight sets by American Aleksandar Kovacevic. This was his first match in nearly six months and highlighted just how far he is from the form that once brought him to the top tiers of the sport.
Despite not contesting singles, Kyrgios plans to compete in doubles alongside longtime friend and partner Thanasi Kokkinakis, the duo famously known as the “Special Ks”. Their partnership brought them the Australian Open doubles title in 2022, and they added intrigue and local support to the doubles draw at Melbourne Park.
The news marks a nuanced chapter in Kyrgios’s journey. At times explosive and unpredictable on the tour, he remains a fan favourite and a compelling figure in tennis. While the decision to sit out singles might temper expectations for his Grand Slam success this year, his presence in doubles still offers home fans something to cheer. As he continues his gradual return, Kyrgios has emphasized that this is a strategic move, one aimed at longevity and eventual return to full competition.
Ultimately, Kyrgios’s choice spotlights the broader challenge athletes face when returning from serious injury: balancing ambition with wellbeing, and choosing battles that enhance long-term prospects over short-term glory. His Australian Open 2026 chapter will be played at the net rather than from the baseline but it remains an important one for both his career and the tournament narrative.
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