Nick Kyrgios was feted like a rockstar at an exhibition event in Melbourne on Tuesday, but remained adamant a decision not to play singles at the Australian Open was the right one.
The 2022 Wimbledon finalist last week ruled himself out of contention for a wildcard as he makes a comeback after an injury-ravaged three years.
N. Tszyu vs Zerafa | Friday 16 Jan from 7pm AEDT | The trash talk and bitterness come to a head when Nikita Tszyu steps into the ring to face Michael Zerafa in one of the most anticipated fights in Australian boxing history. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports
The Australian showman will instead focus on doubles at the Grand Slam tournament which starts on Sunday.
Swiss three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka and Australians Jordan Thompson and Chris O’Connell were awarded the last three wildcards.
“Someone like Stan, who’s played three or four competitive matches in the United Cup, all at a super high level, there’s absolutely no doubt in my mind that he deserves it,” Kyrgios told broadcaster SBS at the Kooyong Classic.
“And it just wouldn’t be fair of me to have so many doubts physically to go out there and play some of the best players in the world in the best-of-five and not even be sure that I could back up one round.”
Young Aussie knocks out former champ! | 01:49
Kyrgios was speaking after beating China’s Zhang Zhizhen in a super tiebreak 6-3, 4-6, 11-9 watched by crowds of screaming fans.
“In some sense it’s amazing and in the other sense it’s a bit heartbreaking cause I know that I’m not really able to go out there and do what I used to do,” he said.
“It’s amazing to have all of these young kids and fans coming out here and I guess it’s still a big part of why I still come out here and trying to put on a show.
“The atmosphere out here was nuts … and if I didn’t have this I don’t know what else I’d do.
“I’ve got a lot of other things going on off the court but there’s no feeling like this.”