Nick Kyrgios faces another injury setback in his planned return to Grand Slam tennis at the Australian Open after an abdominal strain forced him to withdraw from an exhibition with Novak Djokovic this week.

The former world No.13 is scheduled to face world No.2 Alex Zverev in the third round but he must first beat Edinburgh’s world No.83 Fearnley. “He took Novak (Djokovic) to four sets at Wimbledon so he’s definitely dangerous and I’ve got a big target on my back,” Kyrgios said.

Jacob Fearnley was ranked outside the world’s top 600 last year but has qualified for the Australian Open for the first time

The Australian had been due to play in an exhibition match alongside Novak Djokovic, but pulled out due to an abdominal injury

British No.1 Jack Draper, who reached the US Open semi-final, opens this campaign against Argentine world No.46 Mariano Navone. Cam Norrie faces former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini. The 10-time champion Djokovic is in the same section of the draw as Carlos Alcaraz with the two Olympic finalists scheduled to meet in the last eight.

Nick Kyrgios threw fresh doubt on whether he will play in the Australian Open after withdrawing from an exhibition match. The Australian, who reached the Wimbledon final in 2022, returned to action in Brisbane last week after playing only one singles match since October 2022 following knee and wrist surgeries.

Nick Kyrgios’ planned return to Grand Slam tennis at the Australian Open is in doubt after he sustained an abdominal injury and was forced to withdraw from an exhibition with Novak Djokovic this week.

Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from an exhibition event with Novak Djokovic scheduled for Thursday due to an abdominal strain, casting more doubt on the former Wimbledon finalist's chances of making his Australian Open comeback this month.

Nick Kyrgios ’s return to the Australian Open has been thrown into doubt amid a fresh injury scare. The Australian, who reached the Wimbledon final in 2022, returned to action in Brisbane last week after playing only one singles match since October 2022 following knee and wrist surgeries.

Nick Kyrgios pulled out of an exhibition match with Novak Djokovic citing an abdominal strain on Wednesday, casting doubt on whether he will be fit for the Australian Open starting this weekend.