NICK Kyrgios did not play in the recent Adelaide International tennis tournament as he continued to recover from an ankle injury.<\/p>\n
Kyrgios\u2019 ankle complaint first became public when he pulled out of Australia\u2019s United Cup, seemingly at the last minute to the disgruntlement of teammates and coach Lleyton Hewitt.<\/p>\n
The 27-year-old then went on to sit out the Adelaide Open and therefore miss his entire Australian Open leadup.<\/p>\n
The World number 22 has not played competitively in singles since an ATP event in Tokyo last October.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Adelaide International can confirm that Nick Kyrgios will not compete in week two of the tournament,\u201d a statement said reported by News Corp.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe event is clearly disappointed in this decision as would be the fans who support him, but injury happens and health is always the priority.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Adelaide International wishes Nick Kyrgios the best of luck and a quick recovery, understanding the importance of the Australian Open preparation.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe is welcome back to the Adelaide International anytime.\u201d<\/p>\n
Speaking to The Age recently, Kyrgios insisted he needed the recovery time if he was to perform his best at the first Grand Slam of 2023.<\/p>\n
\u201cGoing deep or not, winning a match at a grand slam level is not an easy task,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople underestimate the pressure and the nerves with being a part of one of the biggest tournaments of the year.<\/p>\n
\u201cThrow in an injury and knowing you didn’t give yourself the best chance only adds to the mountain of pressure you face.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo feeling good physically is important.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kyrgios is now racing the clock to take his place in the Australian Open, set to start on 16 January.<\/p>\n