<figure id="attachment_3250660" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3250660" style="width: 1600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-3250660 size-full" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/12d2e21a-nick-kyrgios-06012026.webp" alt="" width="1600" height="1000" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3250660" class="wp-caption-text">Nick Kyrgios ruled himself out of contention for a wildcard as he makes a comeback after three years ravaged by injury. (EPA Images pic)</figcaption></figure>
MELBOURNE: Nick Kyrgios was feted like a rockstar at an exhibition event in Melbourne today, but remained adamant a decision not to play singles at the Australian Open was the right one.
The 2022 Wimbledon finalist last week ruled himself out of contention for a wildcard as he makes a comeback after an injury-ravaged three years.
The Australian showman will instead focus on doubles at the Grand Slam tournament which starts on Sunday.
Swiss three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka and Australians Jordan Thompson and Chris O&#8217;Connell were awarded the last three wildcards.
&#8220;Someone like Stan, who&#8217;s played three or four competitive matches in the United Cup, all at a super high level, there&#8217;s absolutely no doubt in my mind that he deserves it,&#8221; Kyrgios told broadcaster Channel Nine at the Kooyong Classic.
&#8220;And it just wouldn&#8217;t be fair of me to have so many doubts physically to go out there and play some of the best players in the world in the best-of-five and not even be sure that I could back up one round,&#8221; Kyrgios said.
Kyrgios was speaking after beating China&#8217;s Zhang Zhizhen in a super tiebreak 6-3, 4-6, 11-9 watched by crowds of screaming fans.
&#8220;The atmosphere out here was nuts &#8230; and if I didn&#8217;t have this I don&#8217;t know what else I&#8217;d do,&#8221; he said.
&#8220;I&#8217;ve got a lot of other things going on off the court but there&#8217;s no feeling like this,&#8221; he added.

MatchPoint Times

Kyrgios stands by decision to skip Australian Open singles

Australia’s Nick Kyrgios will instead focus on doubles at the Grand Slam tournament starting on Sunday.

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