Nick Kyrgios ruled out of Wimbledon for a third straight year with 'small' injury setback

Nick Kyrgios's Wimbledon absence will stretch into a third year after the Australian tennis maverick suffered a fresh injury setback.

Kyrgios hasn't played at Wimbledon since losing the 2022 final to Novak Djokovic, after a combination of knee, foot and wrist injuries.

He had hoped to play doubles at the French Open with Jordan Thompson but withdrew from what would have been his first appearance at Roland-Garros since 2017 with a knee injury.

On Tuesday, Kyrgios confirmed that problem would also rule him out of Wimbledon.

Kyrgios has not played at Wimbledon since losing to Novak Djokovic in the 2022 singles final. (Getty Images: Ryan Pierse)

"Just wanted to give everyone a quick update — l've hit a small setback in my recovery and unfortunately won't make it back for grass season this year," Kyrgios wrote on Instagram.

"I know how much you've all been looking forward to seeing me out there, and I'm genuinely sorry to disappoint.

"This is just a bump in the road though, and I'm already working hard to get back stronger than ever.

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"Thank you for all your continued support — it means everything to me. See you soon!"

Now 30, Kyrgios faces an uphill battle to resurrect his career, which has been hammered by injuries since late 2022.

The former world No.13 has played only four singles matches this year, claiming his first tour victory in two-and-a-half years at the Miami Open in March.

His Wimbledon withdrawal means his first-round exit at this year's Australian Open will remain his only grand slam appearance — of a possible 11 — since the start of 2023.

Last week, Thompson gave an insight into how much Kyrgios had struggled with his luckless injury run.

"He was pretty down. He told me he doesn't know how much more of these injuries he can take, and you've just got to feel for him," Thompson said.

"Because as much as he says things in the media, I think he loves playing tennis and he loves being on court, so it's disappointing that he can't be here on the court."

AAP

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