Nick Kyrgios announced he was bowing out of Wimbledon 2023 just one day ahead of his first game in the tournament — and there’s some tennis figureheads who aren’t too happy about the last-minute decision.
UK commentator Chris Goldsmith, AKA The Tennis Talker, has suggested that Kyrgios doesn’t “come back” after withdrawing from Wimbledon 2023 due to the torn ligament in his wrist.
“Those that say Nick Kyrgios is good for tennis are wrong,” Goldsmith tweeted following Kyrgios’ announcement, saying the tennis player has “no integrity whatsoever” for pulling out just hours ahead of the tournament.
“Another ALT into Qualifying missed a place, all because he likes to mess about. Don’t come back to SW19.”
FYI: SW19 is the postcode for London’s suburb of Wimbledon.
Kyrgios’ spot was taken by Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan in the grand slam, which kicked off on Monday night (AEST). Marozsan was defeated by Belgian opponent David Goffin in four sets.
Kyrgios announced the decision to his social media yesterday morning AEST.
“I’m really sad to say that I have to withdraw from Wimbledon this year,” the 28-year-old revealed in his Instagram Stories.
As fans of the sport will know, Kyrgios has been having a shocker when it comes to injuries.
“During my comeback, I experienced some pain in my wrist during Mallorca. As a precaution I had it scanned and it came back showing a torn ligament in my wrist,” he explained.
“I tried everything to be able to play and I am disappointed to say that I just didn’t have enough time to manage it before Wimbledon.
“I’ll be back and as always, I appreciate the support from all my fans.”
Wimbledon confirmed the announcement on their own social media channels, saying it was “sorry” to hear the news. “Wishing you a swift recovery and return to our courts,” the post read.
Sorry to hear your news @NickKyrgios – wishing you a swift recovery and hope to see you back on our courts next year 🙏#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/R0zl7i74Bd
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 2, 2023
Kyrgios made it to the men’s final against Novak Djokovic at last year’s Wimbledon grand slam. While the Serbian took home the title in four sets, it was an epic achievement for Kyrgios.
That being said, Kyrgios hasn’t had the best luck with his physical health since then, taking seven months off with a knee injury. When he returned to the court in Stuttgart and was beaten by China’s Yibing Wu, he took to Twitter to request patience from his fans.
“It’s a process to get back to where I was. I know it’s hard for you to see me perform like today, but I need more time and hopefully can get back to where I was.”
Be patient with me my fans please…. It’s a process to get back to where I was. I know it’s hard for you to see me perform like today, but I need more time and hopefully can get back to where I was.
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) June 13, 2023
Alex de Minaur is Australia’s top-seeded player in the tournament. I, like Wimbledon’s social media team, am wishing Kyrgios a swift recovery. But health always comes first!
Image: Patrick Smith/Getty Images
