Nick Kyrgios’ planned return to Grand Slam tennis at the Australian Open is in doubt after he sustained an abdominal injury and was forced to withdraw from an exhibition with Novak Djokovic this week.

Fresh injury worry puts Nick Kyrgios’s Australian Open return in doubt - The Australian withdrew from an exhibition match on Thursday because of an abdominal injury.

Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from an exhibition event with Novak Djokovic scheduled for Thursday due to an abdominal strain, casting more doubt on the former Wimbledon finalist's chances of making his Australian Open comeback this month.

Nick Kyrgios has been struck down by yet another injury on the eve of his return to grand slam tennis. The Australian former world No.13 was due to play Novak Djokovic in an exhibition match on Thursday, in the lead-up to his first Australian Open since 2022, but has withdrawn due to an abdominal injury.

A teenager debuted for Australia against Poland in 2013. His best Davis Cup run came in 2017. Kyrgios scored four consecutive wins before falling to David Goffin against Belgium in the semi-final. Nick led Australia at the 2019 Davis Cup Finals with two wins. Over five years later, he is ready to compete in the national squad again.