In a crushing blow to his comeback hopes, the mercurial talent Nick Kyrgios has been forced to withdraw from the upcoming US Open. The Australian star continues to be plagued by a debilitating wrist injury that has severely limited his playing time over the past year.
The announcement, confirmed by the tournament organisers, dashes the hopes of fans who were eager to see the 2022 Wimbledon finalist back on the sport's biggest stages. This withdrawal adds to a growing list of tournaments Kyrgios has missed, raising serious questions about his ability to return to the top echelons of the game.
A Career Hampered by Physical Setbacks
Kyrgios's career has been a rollercoaster of breathtaking talent and frustrating absences. His latest physical ordeal began after he underwent surgery on his left knee ahead of the 2023 season. Just as he was navigating that recovery, a new and complex issue with his wrist emerged, sidelining him for the entirety of the 2024 campaign thus far.
This extended period away from the court means the 29-year-old will see his world ranking, once comfortably inside the top 20, plummet outside the top 400. His absence creates a palpable void in the draw, removing one of the sport's most electrifying and unpredictable entertainers.
Fans and Pundits React
The news has been met with widespread disappointment across the tennis world. Kyrgios possesses a unique ability to generate headlines and draw crowds, with his powerful serve, audacious shot-making, and volatile on-court demeanour making him a must-watch athlete.
His withdrawal from Flushing Meadows follows a similar pattern from earlier Grand Slams. He was also notably absent from the Australian Open and Wimbledon this year, unable to defend the precious ranking points he earned from his stellar 2022 season.
For now, the tennis world is left to wait and see if and when one of its most captivating characters can finally overcome his physical struggles and make a successful return to the ATP Tour.
