Why is Nick Kyrgios not playing at the Australian Open?

TENNIS bad boy Nick Kyrgios has shockingly announced to the world that he has PULLED OUT of the Australian Open.

The Aussie-born star won the men's doubles title with Thansai Kokkinakis in 2022.

But will be forced to sit out his homecoming Grand Slam which is devastating for a lot of tennis fans.

Find out the reason below...

Why is Nick Kyrgios not playing at the Australian Open?

Kyrgios, 27, unexpectedly called a press conference at 4pm local time in Melbourne to announce that he has been forced to withdraw from the tournament with a knee injury.

The Australian hothead explained that he was not fit enough to participate following the discovery of a parameniscal cyst growing in his left meniscus.

And physio, Will Maher said that Kyrgios will have to undergo arthroscopic knee surgery.

But Maher is hopeful that the Aussie ace can return to the circuit by the time the Indian Wells takes place in March.

What has Kyrgios said?

A devastated Kyrgios revealed that it has not been easy at all for him to deal with this situation.

He said: “One of the most important tournaments of my career. It hasn’t been easy at all.

“This coming around is just bad timing. But that’s life. Injury is a part of the sport.

“I’m devastated obviously. It’s my home tournament. I’ve had some great memories here.

“All I can do now is just look forward, do what I need to do and come back.