Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has announced he will not play singles at the 2026 Australian Open, scheduled to begin on January 18 in Melbourne. The 30-year-old former Wimbledon finalist said he is physically not yet ready to handle the demands of best-of-five-set singles matches, choosing instead to focus solely on the doubles competition.
In an Instagram post, Kyrgios explained that while he has returned to court following a wrist reconstruction and two knee surgeries, his body is still adapting and he doesn’t feel prepared to endure the extended rallies and physical grind of singles play at a Grand Slam.
He made it clear his decision was made after discussions with Tennis Australia (TA) and emphasized that he wants his absent singles spot to go to a player who can “make their moment count”. Kyrgios added that he hopes to return to singles competition next year.
Why This Matters
Kyrgios’ choice comes after a tough singles return in Brisbane this week, where he lost 6-3, 6-4 to American Aleksandar Kovacevic — his first singles match since March 2025. His world ranking has fallen to No. 670, a dramatic drop from his peak at No. 13.
Despite the singles setback, Kyrgios — the 2022 Australian Open men’s doubles champion alongside compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis — will still play doubles at Melbourne Park, reinforcing his focus on events that don’t demand long five-set battles.
Stan Wawrinka Gets a Wildcard
With Kyrgios stepping out of the singles picture, Swiss veteran Stan Wawrinka has been awarded one of the final wildcards into the Australian Open men’s singles draw. The 40-year-old three-time Grand Slam champion — a former 2014 Australian Open winner — is set to make his final appearance at his favoured tournament before retiring at the end of the season.
Wawrinka, currently ranked around No. 156, said receiving a wildcard at Melbourne Park is “incredible” and particularly meaningful as he begins his last year on tour.
🇦🇺 Other Wildcards and Aussie Contenders
In addition to Wawrinka, the remaining wildcards went to Australian players Jordan Thompson and Chris O’Connell, offering them valuable chances to compete on home soil against top competition.
Kyrgios’ Perspective
Kyrgios has been candid about his fitness challenges over the past three years. His injuries and surgeries have limited him to only a handful of singles matches — with his recent loss in Brisbane marking a clear reminder of how far he is from peak form.
In his social media message, Kyrgios reiterated that while he’s “fit and back on court”, the rigours of five-set singles still feel like a “different beast,” and he prefers to build up gradually rather than risk pushing his body too hard.
Why This Decision Resonates
Kyrgios has long been one of tennis’ most unpredictable yet electrifying talents — capable of drawing huge crowds with his powerful serve, dynamic shot-making, and passionate personality. His repeated injury setbacks and recent sharp fall in rankings have fueled speculation about his future in singles the past few seasons.
Rather than chase a wildcard he may not be ready for physically, Kyrgios appears to be taking a career-conscious approach, preserving his body while still engaging fans in doubles. For many supporters, this decision, while disappointing, reflects a realistic recognition of where his game and fitness stand right now.
What’s next
Kyrgios’ focus on doubles only means that Australian fans will still have a chance to see him in competitive action — teamed with Kokkinakis — while the singles draw welcomes a familiar and respected figure in Wawrinka for one last run in Melbourne Park.
The tournament promises thrilling tennis from January 18, and while Kyrgios won’t be in the singles limelight, his decision spotlights the physical demands of professional tennis and the tough choices athletes face when comeback paths intersect with the sport’s toughest competitions.
