Nick Kyrgios said Monday that he pulled out of the Sydney Tennis Classic in his homeland because he tested positive for COVID-19.
The revelation comes just seven days before the start of the Australian Open, one of the sport’s four Grand Slam events.
Kyrgios pulled out of the Sydney event just hours before he was slated to play Fabio Fognini of Italy.
“I just want to be open and transparent with everyone, the reason I have had to pull out of Sydney is because I tested positive for COVID,” Kyrgios posted on Instagram. “I am feeling healthy at the moment with no symptoms.
“I wish everyone all the best and to stay safe where you can. If all goes well I will see you all at the Australian Open.”
Kyrgios also pulled out of last week’s event in Melbourne with an illness that set off his asthma.
Kyrgios was hoping to get two weeks of tune-up matches in before the Australian Open because he hasn’t played since the Laver Cup in late September.
The 26-year-old Kyrgios was once ranked as high as No. 13 in Oct. 2016. He is currently No. 114.
Kyrgios has won six singles titles in his career. He twice has been a Grand Slam quarterfinalist — at Wimbledon in 2014 and the Australian Open in 2015.
His positive test comes at a time when unvaccinated nine-time Australian Open champ Novak Djokovic has been in a high-profile dispute with the country. An appeals judge ruled Monday in favor of Djokovic and overruled the government’s decision to cancel his visa.
–Field Level Media