Nick Kyrgios pulls out of Melbourne Summer Set due to asthma, says he's been feeling "run down and unwell for 4 days"
Mercurial Australian Nick Kyrgios was forced to withdraw from the Melbourne Summer Set ahead of his first-round match against Alex Molcan due to asthma.
In a statement, Nick Kyrgios said he needed to rest so that he could be ready for the 2021 Sydney International, which is scheduled to take place from January 10-15.
Kyrgios revealed that he had been feeling ill for the last four days, but asserted that he had not tested positive for COVID-19.
Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from the Melbourne Summer Set with asthma. Petkovic vs Samsonova will now be followed by Dimitrov & Goffin vs Middelkoop & Van De Zandschulp on RLA.
"I'm really sorry that I've had to pull out from this Melbourne Summer Set event. I have been feeling run down and unwell for 4 days. I have had several COVID tests over the last few days which all came back negative," Nick Kyrgios said.
"I don't feel 100% so I need to take this week to be ready for Sydney next week," he added.
1/2 "I'm really sorry that I've had to pull out from this Melbourne Summer Set event. I have been feeling run down and unwell for 4 days. I have had several Covid tests over the last few days which all came back negative." - Nick Kyrgios
Kyrgios also expressed his disappointment at not being able to take part in the ATP 250 event in Melbourne, sparing a few words for his ardent supporters.
"I was really looking forward to experiencing the best fans in the world here at home! I can't wait to get back out there and see you all. Take care out there and see you soon," the Australian said.
2/2 "I don't feel 100% so I need to take this week to be ready for Sydney next week. I was really looking forward to experiencing the best fans in the world here at home! I can't wait to get back out there and see you all. Take care out there and see you soon."
- Nick Kyrgios
Nick Kyrgios in race against time to be ready for 2022 Australian Open
Nick Kyrgios is currently in a race against time to be physically ready for the 2022 Australian Open, which begins later this month. The Australian has not played a match since the Laver Cup in September.
Kyrgios, who is on a five-match losing streak, was expected to kick off his season against Alex Molcan at the Melbourne Summer Set but that will not be the case anymore.
The tournament has suffered a slew of withdrawals in recent weeks. In addition to Kyrgios, Kei Nishikori, Alexander Bublik, Lloyd Harris, Sebastian Korda, Ilya Ivashka and Richard Gasquet have also withdrawn from the Melbourne event.