Nick Kyrgios has taken a “risk-free” approach to his fitness at Wimbledon, but the same cannot be said of his explosion on the men’s tour for off-track training.
Key points:
- Australian Nick Kyrgios has been in top form on the pitch before the next Wimbledon tournament
- However, he withdrew from a test in Mallorca before the second round due to abdominal pain
- Kyrgios accuses ATP of ruining a unique aspect of tennis with his off-court training trial
The fit Australian has taken the prudent path to Wimbledon, deciding to retire from the round of 16 against Roberto Bautista Agut in the Mallorca Championship on Wednesday, local time, after suffering abdominal pain.
Kyrgios, who has been a huge hit with local fans on the Spanish island, says he regretted having to disappoint them by retiring due to a painful abdominal muscle problem he had suffered during Tuesday’s win against Laslo Djere.
Following the doctor’s advice, he played safely, saying he didn’t want to take “any risks” with his best chance at Wimbledon in recent years just around the corner.
Despite this. the enigmatic Australian did not play safe with his views on ATP’s plans to try off-court training, saying he believes the experiment eliminates the unique nature of the sport.
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The ATP will test the system in the second half of the season, and players will be able to receive instructions during qualifying and main draw matches in tournaments, including the U.S. Open and the ATP Finals.
Patrick Mouratoglou, who helped lead Serena Williams to glory, praised the ATP for “legalizing a practice that has been carried out in almost every party for decades,” but Kyrgios was adamant in his opposition. .
“I completely disagree. He loses one of the only unique traits that no other sport had,” Kyrgios replied on Twitter.
“The player had to understand things on his own. That was the beauty. What if a high-profile player versus a low-level player who doesn’t have or (can’t) afford a coach?”
Former Serena Williams coach Patrick Mouratoglou caused controversy with his off-court training at the 2018 U.S. Open final. (Getty Images: Julian Finney)
Mouratoglou took part in the highlight of off-court training at the 2018 U.S. Open final when Williams received a warning for his gestures.
The new test will start on July 11, the day after the Wimbledon final, where Kyrgios has good reason to believe he could have his best streak after reaching two grass semi-finals in the space of two weeks in Stuttgart. and Halle.
“I am very sorry to have to retire from tonight’s game here in Mallorca. I have played many great matches lately and unfortunately I have woken up with a pain in my abs,” Kyrgios said in a statement. organizers wednesday, local time.
“I went to see the doctor at the tournament right away and he advised me not to play tonight. I really appreciate the Mallorca Championship, but I will follow his advice because I don’t want to risk Wimbledon next week.
“I was really looking forward to tonight’s game because I really enjoyed my time here. Mallorca is such a beautiful island with very nice people.”
Javier Cerrato, the tournament’s doctor, said: “Nick Kyrgios is suffering from pain in his right abdominal, on his left side, due to the accumulation of matches in recent weeks and the effort of yesterday’s first round match. .
“This will not allow him to return to court tonight.”
The organizers must have been disappointed because their start also prevented the prospect of a great quarter-final for the Australian against world number one Daniil Medvedev, who on Wednesday won his place in the round of 16. final, with a 4-6, 6-3. 6-2 victory over Aslan Karatsev.
AAP