Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has announced that he will not compete in singles at the 2024 Australian Open, opting instead to focus on doubles. This decision follows a series of challenges regarding his fitness levels, which came to light during recent exhibition matches and competitive play.
Kyrgios’s withdrawal marks a notable change in his approach, particularly after he had made a public case for a wildcard entry into the singles draw. He emphasized his desire for respect and recognition but ultimately decided against participating in the demanding best-of-five matches that characterize Grand Slam events. In an Instagram post, he stated, “I’m fit and back on court, but 5-setters are a different beast and I’m not quite ready to go the distance yet.” This acknowledgment of his current physical limitations reflects a rare moment of vulnerability from the player known for his confident demeanor.
Challenges and Criticism
In the lead-up to his withdrawal, Kyrgios faced criticism from former professionals, including Greg Rusedski and Pat Cash. Rusedski expressed skepticism about Kyrgios’s readiness to compete at a high level, suggesting that he needed to demonstrate significant form in the Brisbane International. His performance there, where he lost to Aleksander Kovacevic, seemed to confirm the doubts about his fitness. Cash further commented that unless Kyrgios returned in peak physical condition, he would struggle to compete effectively against other players.
While Kyrgios initially rebuffed these critiques, his withdrawal serves as an implicit acknowledgment that their concerns were valid. The reality of professional sports is that physical endurance and fitness are paramount, especially in a sport as demanding as tennis.
Shifting Focus to Doubles
Despite the disappointment for singles fans, Kyrgios is not leaving Melbourne empty-handed. He has confirmed that he will team up with fellow Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis to compete in doubles. The duo, known as the “Special Ks,” previously enjoyed a successful run at the Australian Open in 2022, where they captured the title. Their partnership is expected to bring excitement and energy to the tournament, as both players thrive in the dynamic doubles format.
Kyrgios’s decision to focus on doubles also allows him to protect his body, which has suffered from previous knee and wrist surgeries. With the doubles format being less physically taxing than singles, he can continue to compete at a high level while minimizing the risk of injury. In a recent press conference, Kyrgios acknowledged his motivation to maximize earnings, stating, “I want to make as much money as possible.” While doubles prize money is generally lower than that of singles, it presents a more viable opportunity for Kyrgios given his current physical state.
As Kyrgios transitions to doubles, there remains a sense of melancholy surrounding his career. Since his impressive performance in 2022, where he reached the Wimbledon final, he has played a limited number of matches, primarily due to injuries and rehabilitation. He has expressed optimism about returning to competitive form, stating, “I’ll be back next year and pumped to compete.” However, in the competitive world of professional tennis, time is a critical factor, and prolonged absences can hinder a player’s trajectory.
For now, tennis enthusiasts will have to settle for the doubles spectacle featuring Kyrgios and Kokkinakis. While it promises to be entertaining, there is an underlying feeling that a significant talent is navigating a challenging phase in his career, transitioning from a potential star to a more subdued role on the court.
