Nick Kyrgios has been forced to withdraw from the Delray Beach Open after failing to recover from an elbow injury.
The Australian world No.15 hasn’t played a match since taking part in Australia’s Davis Cup tie against Germany. It was during that weekend where he sustained an injury to his elbow. Forcing him out of the Rotterdam Open.
Kyrgios has been in Florida training ahead of this week’s ATP 250 event in Delray Beach. Despite his efforts, he is still not ready to return to competitive tennis. Saying in a statement that he needs ‘more time.’
“It’s disappointing not being able to play this week,” said Kyrgios. “I was working hard to be able to be fit and healthy but my elbow needs more time. I’ll continue to keep trying to get it right.”
The setback comes after what has been a promising start to the year for the 22-year-old. At the Brisbane International he defeated Ryan Harrison to win his first tour title in almost two years. Then at the Australian Open Kyrgios reached the fourth round before losing to Grigor Dimitrov in four tight sets.
Replacing Kyrgios in the draw will be British lucky loser Cameron Norrie. He will get his campaign underway against Australian Open semi-finalist Hyeon Chung. Chung hasn’t played on the tour since Melbourne after being sidelined by painful blisters on his foot.
Sock goes for the double
This year’s tournament will be headlined by defending champion and top seed Jack Sock. The American will be hoping for a strong run after what has been a disappointing start to the season. The American lost both of his opening matches at his first two tournaments last month. Something he blames on a change to his off-season training.
“I got a late start to my training,” Sock told The Sun Sentinel. “I went down to Australia with not as much confidence in my physical part. The year prior I ended with a month and a half training straight, felt really strong and mentally fresh. This year it was kind of the opposite. I didn’t feel as great physically, mentally I was still a little tired. Everything happened the last few weeks so no excuses at all for my part, just a different feel.”
Sock will take on qualifier John-Patrick Smith in the first round. He will be bidding to become the first player to win back-to-back titles in the event since it relocated to it’s current location in 1999. Jason Stoltenberg triumphed in 1996 and 1997, when the tournament was held in Coral Springs.
“There’s five matches to win,” Sock said. “I have confidence from last year. Like I said I really enjoy playing there.”
Juan Martin del Potro, Kevin Anderson and Sam Querrey are also taking part in the tournament.
