Nick Kyrgios pulls out of exhibition match against Novak Djokovic

Nick Kyrgios, all set for his return to the court after a wait of almost two years, could see his plans derailed once again. The bold Australian made his comeback at the Brisbane International recently in a bid to build rhythm ahead of the Australian Open. However, Kyrgios, who has dealt with knee and wrist issues over the past couple of years, has now developed a strain in his abdomen. With only a few days left before the Grand Slam event commences in Melbourne, the Australian has pulled out of the exhibition match against Novak Djokovic. 'A Night with Novak,' the exhibition between the Serb and Kyrgios, was scheduled for Thursday, January 9, at Rod Laver Arena.

Nick Kyrgios return to Australian Open marred by an abdominal strain

The Brisbane International served as a platform for Nick Kyrgios to trace his steps back onto the court. Battling knee and wrist injuries for the last two years, during which he played just one match, Kyrgios joined the prelude to the Australian Open. Meanwhile, Kyrgios entered the main draw of the Grand Slam event with a protected ranking of 21. In the Brisbane International, the Australian played only three matches before bowing out of both the singles and doubles events. Interestingly, the season opener brought Djokovic and Kyrgios together for the doubles event.

Kicking off the doubles event in enthralling fashion, the star duo edged past Alexander Erler and Andreas Mies. The Round of 32 match delivered ultimate thrills as the pair clinched a hard-fought 6-4, 6-7, 10-8 victory, marking a successful start to their partnership. However, the doubles partners were brought back down to earth in the Round of 16 match against Nikola Mektic and Michael Venus. In another gripping encounter, Djokovic and Kyrgios found themselves on the wrong side of the results, enduring a 2-6, 6-3, 8-10 defeat to exit the competition.

In the singles event, Nick Kyrgios, fresh on the court, couldn't extend his campaign beyond the starting point. The 29-year-old faced Italy's Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the Round of 32 match at the Pat Rafter Arena. While Kyrgios staged a significant tussle against the World No. 30 Italian, the neck-and-neck clash went in Perricard's favor, who triumphed 7-6, 6-7, 7-6 over the Australian. The early exit, however, hasn't deterred Kyrgios from his goal of playing at home in the upcoming Grand Slam event. Yet, he seems to have hit a roadblock, with just a few days remaining before the main draw of the Australian Open begins in Melbourne.

Nick Kyrgios, through a social media post, informed fans about suffering from an abdominal strain. The Australian explained that he underwent an ultrasound to assess the severity of the injury. Subsequently, his abdominal strain was classified as Grade 1. However, the cancellation of his exhibition match with Novak Djokovic was confirmed. Furthermore, Kyrgios expressed his dedication to playing in the Grand Slam tournament. He stated that he would rest and do 'everything' within his capability to ensure his participation in the Australian Open.

"Unfortunately won't be able to play my good friend @djokernole this Thursday on the 9th as I've had an ultrasound on my abdominal and have a grade 1 strain," the Australian posted on Instagram. "Will be resting and doing everything I can to be OK by the Aus Open," he added.