New Delhi, Jan 12 (NationPress) Former Australian Open director Paul McNamee commented that the absence of Nick Kyrgios from the singles competition is unlikely to have a significant impact on the event. He emphasized that the window of opportunity is narrowing for the Australian to make a serious bid at a grand slam.

Recently, Kyrgios revealed that he would not participate in this year's Australian Open singles due to ongoing fitness issues. Instead, he plans to compete in doubles alongside Thanasi Kokkinakis.

In 2025, Kyrgios only managed to play five matches before concluding his season in March. He made a return to competition with exhibition matches in New York and Dubai last month and later received a wildcard entry for the Brisbane International, where he was eliminated in the first round.

Furthermore, Kyrgios and Kokkinakis faced defeat against the French duo Sadio Doumbia and Fabien Reboul in the men’s doubles second round in Brisbane.

“The Aussie Open is too significant for that to be a concern now. He is not genuinely in contention. Best of five on hard courts, he’s not prepared for that,” McNamee stated.

“He could have filled John Cain Arena for a few matches, but we must acknowledge that time is running out for Nick Kyrgios to pursue a grand slam title. Will we see him in Melbourne again? I hope so next year. Like (Novak) Djokovic, the clock is winding down,” McNamee shared on SEN.

Kyrgios has battled multiple severe injuries in recent years, causing his world ranking to plummet to 673, leaving him without a protected ranking. The former Wimbledon finalist has participated in only one grand slam match since 2022.

He won the men’s doubles championship with Kokkinakis at the 2022 Australian Open and reached the Wimbledon final and the US Open quarter-finals that year.

Since his defeat in the 2022 Wimbledon final to Novak Djokovic, Kyrgios has undergone wrist reconstruction and had two knee surgeries. Over the past three years, he has participated in only six professional singles matches, with none since March last year in Miami.

“Aside from Alcaraz, there’s no one else I would prefer to watch. He does cross the line and can upset people. Some of his actions are shocking, not justifiable, but he is captivating to watch with such a unique style. He can serve aces without warming up. His talent is incredible,” he added.

“He and Alcaraz are the two most talented players globally, but Kyrgios struggles with health and physical issues and doesn’t possess the resilience of Lleyton Hewitt. I don’t criticize him as much as others do. Yes, he crosses a line, but who is flawless?”

“He is authentic and true to himself, despite being a bit unpredictable. His talent is immense; his absence will be felt. Kyrgios and Kokkinakis have won before, and this may be one of their last chances to shine,” McNamee remarked.

Kyrgios and Kokkinakis are set to receive a wildcard for the men’s doubles event. The main draw for the Australian Open commences on January 18, with qualifying rounds starting January 12.