Nick Kyrgios tests positive for Covid-19 but hopes to play in Australian Open

Lucy Roberts
January 10, 2022

Australian Nick Kyrgios has returned a positive Coronavirus result just a week before the season opening Grand Slam is due to get underway.

He was forced to pull out of the Sydney Tennis Classic warm-up event just a few hours before facing opponent Fabio Fognini, but not before withdrawing from the Melbourne Summer Set last week because of an undisclosed illness which interfered with his asthma.

This means it’s looking doubtful for the 26-year-old’s chances of playing in the Australian Open as his positive test has only left him with a week before the tournament to recover and get over the virus, but he hopes he’ll still be able to take part in his home Grand Slam.

“I just want to be open and transparent with everyone, the reason I have had to pull out of Sydney is because I tested positive for Covid,” the world No 114 said on his Instagram Story.

“I am feeling healthy at the moment with no symptoms, I wish everyone all the best and to stay safe where you can.

“If all goes well I will see you all at the Australian Open.”

Nick Kyrgios says the reason he withdrew from Sydney is because he has Covid-19. Says he is asymptomatic. Still plans (hopes?) to play the Australian Open pic.twitter.com/AMVfgryAc8

— Christopher Clarey 🇺🇸 🇫🇷 🇪🇸 (@christophclarey) January 10, 2022

Kyrgios hasn’t played a competitive match since the Laver Cup last September due to a knee injury and his withdrawal from the two warm-up matches in Australia saw him drop 21 places in the ATP rankings therefore meaning he dropped out of the top 100 to No 114.

Canberra-born Kyrgios has always been a fan favourite at Melbourne Park and been fairly successful at the competition in the past, the furthest he’s got in the tournament being the quarterfinals in 2015 where he faced eventual finalist Andy Murray.

The six-time title winner also played the longest match of his career at the Melbourne-based tournament as his third round tie with Karen Khachanov which he went on to win lasted an impressive four hours and 26 minutes.

It’s still up in the air whether Kyrgios will be able to challenge for the major competition this year as the Australian Open is fast approaching, it kicks off from January 17.

Nick Kyrgios