Kooyong Classic officials haven’t given up hope of enticing Nick Kyrgios to the Australian Open warm-up event after losing world No.1 Carlos Alcaraz to injury.
Former US Open champion Dominic Thiem has replaced Alcaraz, joining the likes of fellow former Melbourne Park runners-up Andy Murray and Marin Cilic and home hope Alex de Minaur.
Young guns Jannik Sinner and Borna Coric will also feature at the three-day exhibition event starting on Tuesday, with Czech teenage sensation Linda Fruhvirtova headlining the women’s field.
But tournament director Peter Johnston on Sunday said he’d happily find a match for Kyrgios if the Australian No.1 wanted to test out his body ahead of the Open starting on January 16.
Kyrgios withdrew from the United Cup and the Adelaide International 2, citing a knee injury.
“We’re still holding a candle for Nick,” Johnston told AAP.
“It couldn’t be a more perfect setting for him if he wants a hit before the Open.
” There’s always room for Nick. And don’t forget Novak (Djokovic).
“We’ve already got a pretty solid line-up but Novak is also welcome.”
Djokovic was due to face rising American Sebastian Korda in the final of the Adelaide International on Sunday night before heading straight to Melbourne.
The nine-times Australian Open champion plans to round out his preparations with a series of practice sessions on Rod Laver Arena, where the Serbian superstar hasn’t lost since a third-round defeat to Hyeon Chung in 2018.
Source: AAP