Nick Kyrgios raised some eyebrows on Thursday just before the 2025 Australian Open kicks off, as he pulled out of an exhibition match against Novak Djokovic due to an abdominal injury.

Kyrgios, who hasn’t competed in the Australian Open since 2022 because of various injuries, took to social media to share an update. He reassured fans that he should be "OK" for the Grand Slam starting on January 12.

“Unfortunately, I won’t be able to play my good friend Novak Djokovic this Thursday on the 9th. I had an ultrasound on my abdomen and it turns out I have a grade one strain,” he posted on Instagram. “I’ll be resting and doing everything I can to be ready for the Australian Open.”

This injury is another setback for the former Wimbledon finalist, who just made his return to the tour last week after being sidelined for over a year due to a wrist injury, which followed a knee issue that kept him out of the 2023 Australian Open. Kyrgios had to undergo three surgeries for that serious injury.

At 29, he’s at risk of missing the Australian Open for the third consecutive year and hasn’t played a Grand Slam match since the 2022 US Open. This injury also puts his participation in Australia’s upcoming Davis Cup tie against Sweden on January 31 in jeopardy.

Currently unranked, Kyrgios has a protected ranking of No.21 for the Australian Open. He only played three matches this season, all at the Brisbane International. He lost to French player Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in his much-anticipated singles comeback but did show some skill in doubles alongside Djokovic, although they were eliminated in the second round.

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