A day after winning his first ATP doubles title in Lyon, Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from the French Open following medical advice.
Kyrgios, who is yet to go beyond the third round at Roland Garros, has only played two competitive singles matches on the clay this year due to injury. In recent weeks the Australian has been sidelined from action due to a right elbow problem. An issue that has bothered him since the Davis Cup earlier this year.
“Unfortunately, I have to withdraw from this years French Open. Having consulted with my team and medical experts it is deemed too risky for me to step out and potentially play 5 sets on clay, especially as I have not played a singles match in two months.” Kyrgios wrote in a statement.
There was hopes that the 23-year-old would be fit in time to play at the second grand slam of the season. He recently teamed up with Jack Sock to play in the doubles tournament at the Lyon Open, in what was a fitness test for Kyrgios. The pair triumphed in the tournament by dropping only one set on route to the title.
“I’ve worked hard to be ready and desperately wanted to play Roland Garros, which is very special to me but I literally ran out of time. A dramatic spike in load on my elbow could potentially put me back to square one and with the grass court season around the corner it is something I can not and will not risk.” He explained.
The world No.23 is hoping to return to action at the start of the grass season. He is currently scheduled to play at the Mercedes Cup in Germany followed by the Fever-Tree Championships at The Queen’s Club.
“The good news is I am finally pain free, working hard and enjoying my training and am looking forward to being back in singles action in Stuttgart.” Kyrgios concluded.
Kyrgios was set to play compatriot Bernard Tomic in the first round. Tomic booked his place in the main draw by coming through three rounds of qualifying. He will be replaced by Marco Trungelliti.
