Nick Kyrgios likely to skip French Open, admits he is ‘not sure’ 2021 Australian Open will go ahead

French Open
Nick Kyrgios

Chances of Nick Kyrgios playing at this year’s French Open are “slim to none” with the Australian saying he is likely “to stay home” for the remainder of the 2020 season.

The world No 40 had already confirmed that he won’t compete at this month’s US Open due to coronavirus concerns, saying the decision “hurts me at my core”.

‘It hurts me at my core,’ says Nick Kyrgios as he pulls out of US Open over coronavirus concerns

However, many believed the Australian would travel to Europe for the clay-court season, which culminates with the French Open starting on September 27.

The 25-year-old, though, says it is highly unlikely that he will play at Roland Garros.

“It’s a very slim chance I’ll play in Europe. Almost slim to none, to be honest,” he told Channel Nine.

“I’m going to use this (time) to stay home, train, be with my family, be with my friends and I’m just going to act responsibly, and wait till I think there’s better circumstances to play.”

Besides Kyrgios, defending men’s champion Rafael Nadal, former champion Stan Wawrinka as well as women’s world No 1 Ashleigh Barty also won’t feature at Flushing Meadows this year.

‘I have decided to follow my heart,’ says Rafael Nadal as he confirms he will not defend his US Open title

“I knew a lot of players were going to [pull out] – I don’t think the US Open will be happy seeing some of the biggest names in sport not put their health at risk and go there and play,” Kyrgios said.

“I wasn’t surprised by Rafa’s decision; I think he’s more eyeing the French Open.”

Adding: “If I was to play I’d probably definitely rather go to Europe (than America) at this time of year for sure with everything going on.”

The 2021 Australian Open is scheduled to start in mid-January at Melbourne Park and organisers are confident it will go ahead despite the recent surge in coronavirus cases in Victoria.

Kyrgios, though, is not so sure.

“With the pandemic in Melbourne, I heard on the radio today I think 700 new cases, we reached new heights in deaths,” he said.

“I’m not sure the Australian Open will go on.”

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Nick Kyrgios

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