Australian Nick Kyrgios’ US Open preparations have suffered a setback, with the Wimbledon runner-up forced to pull out of an ATP tournament with a knee injury.
The 27-year-old was due to face Germany’s Peter Gojowczyk in the first round in Atlanta (AEST) on Wednesday but withdrew just minutes before the match.
“I just want to say that I’m extremely devastated that I can’t compete tonight,” Kyrgios told the crowd.
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“I’ve won this tournament once and I’m playing some of the best tennis of my career, all I wanted to do was come here and give you a show, to see what I was capable of.
“I can’t give my best performance, I’m really sorry.”
The Australian’s withdrawal will see him drop in the world rankings from his current position of 47 to a place outside the top 60, depending on other results.
Had ranking points been awarded at Wimbledon, where he lost to Novak Djokovic in the final, Kyrgios would have been in the top 20 and guaranteed a spot at next month’s US Open.
Nick Kyrgios has been forced to withdraw from the ATP Atlanta event with a knee injury. (Getty)
The Australian teamed up with good friend Thanasi Kokkinakis in the doubles on Tuesday, where the pair won in straight sets, and Kyrgios has not ruled out playing in the quarter-finals on Thursday.
“I’m going to keep my hopes up and maybe I can continue doubles with Thanasi,” he said.
“I hope you guys won’t be too hard on me. I was going to come out here and see them face to face to tell you that I love you guys and that next year I can compete in singles and give it my all.
“I appreciate it.”
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