Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from this year’s Wimbledon with a wrist injury.
The Australian, who finished runner-up at in the men’s singles event in last year’s championships, has had a year of injury struggles having played just one match since having knee surgery in January.
He said: “Hey everyone. I’m really sad to say that I have to withdraw from Wimbledon this year.
“I tried my hardest to be ready after my surgery and to be able to step on Wimbledon courts again.
“During my comeback, I experienced some pain in my wrist during the week of Mallorca. As a precaution I had it scanned and it came back showing a torn ligament in my wrist.
“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.”
Kyrgios had been scheduled to begin his campaign against Belgian former quarter-finalist David Goffin on No.1 Court on Monday.
The 28-year-old has been unable to build on his sole Grand Slam final appearance after withdrawing from the Australian Open in January due to a knee injury which required surgery.
He had played only one match since, a defeat to Wu Yibing in Stuttgart last month, and admitted during his pre-tournament media rounds on Sunday that he was ‘almost dreading’ his return.
“I’m just going to try to do everything I can, prepare, go out there and play some good tennis,” Kyrgios had said. “I feel probably as good as I could feel at the moment.”
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Monday’s play sees defending men’s singles champion Novak Djokovic open on Centre Court against Argentine Pedro Cachin.
Djokovic, who overtook Rafael Nadal for Grand Slam titles (23) with his triumph at the French Open last month, is eyeing all four Slams in the same year – a feat which hasn’t been achieved in the men’s game since Rod Laver in 1969.
Afterwards on Centre, five-time women’s singles champion Venus Williams begins her campaign against Ukrainian Elina Svitolina.
Reigning women’s French Open champion Iga Swiatek also begins her SW19 campaign when she faces Chinese player Zhu Lin on No.1 Court.
There’s plenty of British interest at this year’s championships with 42 set to compete at the All England Club.
Dan Evans, Katie Swan, Jodie Burrage, Harriet Dart, Liam Broady and Jan Choinski are all scheduled to be in action on Monday.
