Nick Kyrgios' chances of playing at the Australian Open have taken another blow after the superstar's name was missing from the entry list six weeks after the tournament.
Kyrgios, 28, has been out of action since withdrawing from the Melbourne event early this year due to knee and wrist problems, with an unknown return date.
The Canberra-born star has played down expectations that he will be back on the field for the first major of 2024, saying last month that “the stars would have to align” for him to return in time.
So there were no surprises when the entry list was published earlier this week, with Kyrgios nowhere to be seen.
However, a number of injury-affected players are using protected rankings to participate in the grand slam, including Rafael Nadal, so Kyrgios can still compete at a later date.
Nick Kyrgios' chances of playing at the Australian Open have taken another blow
The Canberra-born superstar will be out for most of 2023 due to injuries
Elsewhere, Brisbane International officials have left the door open for Kyrgios to take a wildcard into the warm-up event if he wishes.
Kyrgios is unlikely to play as Davis Cup stars Alexei Popyrin, Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson will fly the Australian flag in the men's singles and Gold Coast's Kimberly Birrell will be given a wildcard into the women's singles main draw.
“Nick is a day-to-day proposition at the moment. I think he said that himself,” tournament director Cam Pearson said.
'Hopefully he will share his plans for January soon. We still have a few wildcards left and the selectors have a big decision to make. There are a number of Aussies vying for these two wildcards. If Nick is fit, he will definitely be one of them.
'He is coming back from a major operation and has to do what is good for his preparation.'
The latest developments come after Australian Open boss Craig Tiley said he expected Kyrgios to appear at the tournament 'in some form' next month.
Australian Open boss Craig Tiley said Kyrgios will be at the tournament 'in some form'
“The update is day by day with him,” Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley said on Monday about Kyrgios' availability.
“He's best guess is that… we'll have Nick here in some form in January.
'Hopefully it's to play because he's a crowd pleaser. We enjoy watching Nick and having him around.”