Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has delivered a surprising update ahead of the 2026 Australian Open, confirming he will not compete in the singles draw at Melbourne Park.
Following his straight-sets defeat (6-3, 6-4) to American Aleksandar Kovacevic in the first round of the Brisbane International earlier this week, the 30-year-old revealed on Instagram that he has decided—after discussions with Tennis Australia—to forgo a potential wildcard into the singles main draw.
“After some good conversations with TA, I’ve made the call to focus on doubles for this year’s AO," Kyrgios posted. "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 tournament means everything to me, but I’d rather give my spot to someone who’s ready to make their moment count. It’s all building blocks, and I’ll be back next year and pumped to compete. See you out there.”
Sources indicate Kyrgios had been lined up for a singles wildcard prior to his Brisbane loss, but post-match talks with Australian Open director Craig Tiley led to the mutual decision to step aside.
Instead, Kyrgios will shift his focus to doubles, where he is set to reunite with longtime friend Thanasi Kokkinakis. The pair, nicknamed "Special Ks," famously won the Australian Open men's doubles title in 2022 in a fan-favourite run.
Kyrgios has endured an injury-plagued few years, playing just a handful of professional singles matches since his 2022 Wimbledon final appearance. He underwent wrist reconstruction and two knee surgeries, with his Brisbane outing marking his first ATP singles match in nearly two years.
In a candid post-match reflection, the former world No.13 admitted the physical toll has changed his outlook: "I’m never going to be [the same player]… After you have these surgeries, you don’t have that belief anymore."
Despite the singles setback, fans can still look forward to seeing Kyrgios' trademark flair on the doubles court when the Australian Open kicks off later this month.
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