“Didn’t Feel This Was Worth the Risk”: Nick Kyrgios Fends Off US Open 2021 Concerns After Latest Withdrawal

A good crowd was in place to witness the exciting first-round matchup between Andy Murray and Nick Kyrgios at Winston-Salem. However, the Aussie star put everyone on the spot as he withdrew from the tournament only minutes before his match. Consequently, lucky loser Noah Rubin, who lost his qualifying round only minutes ago, will play Murray in the opening round.

In the press-conference, the 26-year-old Australian revealed that he had been struggling with the injury for quite some time. But most importantly, he clarified that he would be playing the US Open. Also, Kyrgios highlighted that this withdrawal is only a precuationary measure for the same.

ACAPULCO, MEXICO – FEBRUARY 27: Nick Kyrgios of Australia celebrates during the match against Rafael Nadal of Spain as part of the day 3 of the Telcel Mexican Open 2019 at Mextenis Stadium on February 27, 2019 in Acapulco, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

Naturally, the crowd did not enjoy the news as the commentator announced that Kyrgios will not be showing up on the court. Even so, the tennis fans can look forward to watching him in New York, contesting for the American Grand Slam.

The on-court MC informs spectators that Kyrgios has withdrawn. Some harsh boos in response. Andy Murray will play lucky loser Noah Rubin in 20 minutes. Rubin only lost his qualifying match against Lucas Pouille about 25 minutes ago.

— Stuart Fraser (@stu_fraser) August 22, 2021

Read More: CLINICAL! Alexander Zverev Sweeps Past Andrey Rublev To Clinch Cincinnati Open 2021

Nick Kyrgios withdraws from Winston-Salem to not risk US Open 2021 campaign

In the press conference, Nick Kyrgios mentioned that he came to Florida to play with his good friend Andy Murray. Yet, he needed to look after his body more as the US Open 2021 is only next week.

“Obviously, I had to look after my body and with a Grand Slam next week, I wanted to be more cautious. I have been dealing with knee pain the last couple of weeks,” Kyrgios said. “With the US Open just around the corner, I just didn’t feel this was worth the risk of going out there and possibly making it worse.”

Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – July 3, 2021 Australia’s Nick Kyrgios acknowledges the spectators after losing his match by a walkover as he sustained an injury REUTERS/Peter Nicholls

Furthermore, Kyrgios reflected on whether the withdrawl affects his US Open 2021 participation. Given the Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Dominic Thiem situation, who withdrew from the entire 2021 season, the Aussie answered accordingly.

“I am playing the US Open; its not like I am finishing the season,” Kyrgios added. “I needed more time to get right. It is that: Am I going to push for a 250 or am I going to get ready for a Grand Slam that I dreamed about.”

Additionally, the Aussie star always added that the decision had been made with accordance of doctors in Winston-Salem as well as his personal physio. He even said that if it had been an ATP 250 event in Australia before the Australian Open, he would have done the same.

Also Read: “Death of a Bone”: Surgeon Details Rafael Nadal’s Foot Injury

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