LONDON — Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has confirmed he will miss Wimbledon this year due to a "small setback" in his recovery from a long-term wrist injury, dealing another blow to his comeback hopes after an extended absence from the sport.
The 29-year-old, known for his explosive playing style and polarizing on-court antics, has not competed in a Grand Slam since the 2023 Australian Open. His withdrawal from Wimbledon marks the second consecutive year he will miss the prestigious grass-court tournament, where he reached the final in 2022.
In a statement posted on social media, Kyrgios wrote: "I tried everything to be ready, but my body just isn’t cooperating. I’ll be back, but for now, I have to focus on recovery." The setback comes after he underwent surgery on his left wrist in early 2024, followed by persistent knee issues that have hampered his training.
A Frustrating Road to Recovery
Kyrgios’ injury struggles have been well-documented over the past two years. After withdrawing from the 2023 French Open and Wimbledon due to a knee injury, he attempted a comeback at the Australian Open in January 2024 but was forced to retire mid-match against Daniil Medvedev.
His latest setback involves lingering discomfort in his wrist, which has prevented him from serving at full capacity—a critical component of his game. Sources close to the player indicate that while the injury is not career-threatening, it requires additional rehabilitation time.
"Nick has been pushing hard in training, but the wrist hasn’t responded as hoped," said a member of his team, speaking anonymously. "He’s devastated to miss another major, but rushing back could make things worse."
Impact on Kyrgios’ Career
The extended layoff raises questions about Kyrgios’ future in the sport. Once ranked as high as No. 13 in the world, he has slipped outside the top 500 due to inactivity. His absence leaves a void in men’s tennis, where his unorthodox style and showmanship have drawn both criticism and admiration.
Key concerns include:
- His ability to regain peak fitness after multiple surgeries
- The mental toll of repeated injury setbacks
- Whether he can still compete at the highest level
Former coach Paul McNamee expressed sympathy, telling reporters: "Nick’s talent is undeniable, but injuries have derailed his momentum. The challenge now is patience—he can’t force his return."
Wimbledon’s Loss
Kyrgios’ absence is a blow to tournament organizers, who had hoped for his return after his electrifying 2022 run. That year, he captivated crowds with his shot-making and fiery personality before falling to Novak Djokovic in a four-set final.
"He brings a unique energy to the sport," said Wimbledon chief executive Sally Bolton. "We wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back on our courts soon."
What’s Next for Kyrgios?
While Wimbledon is off the table, Kyrgios has hinted at a potential return later in the 2024 season. His team has targeted the US Open in August as a realistic goal, provided his recovery stays on track.
In the meantime, he has kept busy with commentary roles and his foundation, which supports underprivileged youth in Australia. Fans remain hopeful that one of tennis’ most unpredictable stars will make a full comeback.
"I’m not done yet," Kyrgios assured in his statement. "This is just another hurdle. I’ll be back stronger."
For now, the tennis world must wait—and Kyrgios must focus on healing. His absence at Wimbledon serves as a reminder of how much the sport misses his flair and unpredictability.