Nick Kyrgios has suffered another setback in his turbulent tennis career, withdrawing from the US Open men’s singles due to injury. This marks the third consecutive year the 30-year-old Australian has missed the New York Grand Slam, and he has now been absent from the season’s final three majors after an early exit at the Australian Open in January.
Kyrgios, who reached the Wimbledon final in 2022 and the US Open quarterfinals the same year, has been plagued by a series of injuries, including foot, knee, and wrist issues. Despite his determination to return to top form, he has managed only one singles victory against four losses in his 2025 comeback. His absence was confirmed by organizers on Thursday, leaving fans disappointed but not surprised.
De Minaur and Tomljanovic Face Challenging US Open Draws
Meanwhile, Australia’s Alex de Minaur and Ajla Tomljanovic are gearing up for their respective first-round matches at Flushing Meadows. De Minaur, who is seen as Australia’s big hope in the tournament, will face fellow Sydneysider Chris O’Connell. Despite his discomfort playing against compatriots, de Minaur is expected to perform well, having previously beaten O’Connell’s recent conqueror, Stefanos Tsitsipas, in Toronto.
Tomljanovic, on the other hand, faces a daunting task against Coco Gauff, the home favorite and former champion, on the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium. This matchup is reminiscent of Tomljanovic’s memorable victory over Serena Williams at the same venue, a win that marked a significant milestone in her career.
Challenging Paths for Australian Contingent
The draw has not been kind to the 13-strong Australian contingent. De Minaur’s potential path includes matches against Hugo Gaston, who has a winning record against him, and possibly Tsitsipas, who has dominated their past encounters. Should de Minaur advance, he could face Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals and Jannik Sinner in the semifinals.
Alexei Popyrin, another Australian hopeful, may encounter reigning Wimbledon and Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner in the second round. Popyrin’s first-round opponent, Emil Ruusuvuori, poses a significant challenge, but an early meeting with Sinner might be to his advantage, given the Italian’s recent health issues.
Global Tennis Stars Gear Up for US Open
Elsewhere in the draw, defending champion Aryna Sabalenka will begin her campaign against Swiss Rebeka Masarova, while Iga Swiatek, fresh off a victory in Cincinnati, faces Colombia’s Emiliana Arango. Novak Djokovic, chasing a record 25th Grand Slam title, is set to play against teenage sensation Learner Tien, who recently upset Daniil Medvedev.
Veteran Venus Williams returns to the US Open at 45, facing a tough challenge against Karolina Muchova, a consistent semifinalist in recent years. Meanwhile, Kim Birrell and Daria Kasatkina will also represent Australia, with potential matches against high-profile opponents like Amanda Anisimova and Naomi Osaka.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Australian Tennis
The absence of Nick Kyrgios from yet another major tournament raises questions about his future in professional tennis. As injuries continue to hinder his performance, the spotlight turns to other Australian players like de Minaur and Tomljanovic to carry the nation’s hopes on the international stage. Their performances at the US Open could signal a shift in the Australian tennis landscape, with younger talents stepping up to the challenge.
As the US Open unfolds, fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see how these narratives develop, both on and off the court. The tournament promises high drama and intense competition, setting the stage for a memorable fortnight in New York.
