NICK Kyrgios has withdrawn from Wimbledon because of injury.
The Aussie tennis star, 28, conceded that a torn wrist ligament will see him miss the tournament he was a finalist in last year.
Nick Kyrgios has pulled out of WimbledonRex
He announced his withdrawal on Sunday evening on Instagram.
Kyrgios 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 the 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, who lost to Novak Djokovic in last year’s final, has played just ONE match in nine months after pulling out of the Australian Open in January for a drainage procedure on his left knee.
It throws the rest of his season into doubt and questions will be asked about whether he should have made this announcement BEFORE Friday’s singles draw.
The official Wimbledon social media account responded: “Sorry to hear your news Nick, wishing you a swift recovery and hope to see you back on our courts next year.”
Despite not being able to play, Kyrgios will receive 50% of the first-round prize (around £27,500) following his withdrawal.
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Provided he signs in on time, then Fabian Marozsan will take Kyrgios’s spot as the lucky loser.
The Hungarian, 23, came to prominence in May when he shocked Carlos Alcaraz in the last 32 of the Italian Open in Rome.
The news comes after Kyrgios admitted he was “dreading coming back” to professional tennis following a lengthy injury hiatus.