Nick Kyrgios and Frances Tiafoe were set to bring the fun back to tennis — but injury changes everything in DC
ATPWednesday, 29 July 2026 at 02:00
The highly anticipated reunion between Nick Kyrgios and Frances Tiafoe at the DC Open will not happen after the pair withdrew from the doubles draw due to a right wrist injury suffered by the American.
Kyrgios and Tiafoe were scheduled to compete together in Washington for the first time in five years, bringing together two of the most entertaining personalities on the ATP Tour. The duo had been one of the tournament’s biggest attractions, but Tiafoe’s physical issue forced them to pull out before their opening match.
The pair was set to play on the John Harris Stadium, the second-largest court at the DC Open, but their withdrawal means the expected return of one of the most charismatic doubles partnerships in tennis has been delayed.
The tournament confirmed that Kyrgios and Tiafoe were replaced by lucky losers Ariel Behar and Anirudh Chandrasekar and they will face Francisco Cabral and James Tracy.
Tiafoe injury ends highly anticipated Kyrgios reunion
Tiafoe’s withdrawal came shortly after his singles campaign ended in Washington. The American played his first-round match on Monday, losing to Terence Atmane 6-4, 3-6, 4-6 in a three-set battle.
The 27-year-old was hoping to use the DC Open as the beginning of his North American hard-court swing preparation, with the Canadian Open and Cincinnati Open ahead before the US Open.
Update:
— Mubadala DC Open (@mubadaladcopen) July 28, 2026
Team Nick Kyrgios/Frances Tiafoe (Right wrist) have withdrawn from doubles. They are replaced by LL Ariel Behar/Anirudh Chandrasekar.#MubadalaDCOpen
For Kyrgios, the doubles appearance was another step in his ongoing attempt to return to competitive tennis after years affected by wrist and knee injuries. The Australian has increasingly focused on doubles in 2026 while managing his physical condition.
At Wimbledon, Kyrgios competed only in the doubles draw, partnering with Alexander Bublik after the pair previously teamed up at the Stuttgart Open. Earlier this season, he also appeared at the Australian Open exclusively in doubles, playing alongside Thanasi Kokkinakis in men’s doubles and Leylah Fernandez in mixed doubles.
The Australian has repeatedly suggested that his retirement could be approaching, but he has continued searching for opportunities to compete when his body allows him to do so.
Nick Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic played doubles together back in January 2025 at Brisbane International.
Kyrgios continues searching for return opportunities
The withdrawal in Washington does not change the uncertainty surrounding Kyrgios’ schedule for the upcoming hard-court season.
The former Wimbledon finalist has not confirmed another tournament after the DC Open, although his return to the biggest stages would not be surprising. Wildcards at upcoming Masters 1000 events — or even at the US Open — remain possible options, either in singles or doubles.
Meanwhile, Tiafoe will now turn his attention toward recovering from the wrist issue and preparing for the biggest part of the season. The American remains one of the leading home hopes heading into the North American hard-court swing, with important opportunities ahead in Canada, Cincinnati and New York.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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