Nick Kyrgios withdraws from US Open mixed doubles; Naomi Osaka to play with Gael Monfils

Nick Kyrgios has officially withdrawn from the US Open mixed doubles tournament, forcing Naomi Osaka to find a replacement partner for the final Grand Slam of the year. The Australian’s ongoing knee issues, which sidelined him for the entire grass-court season, ultimately prevented him from competing in Flushing Meadows alongside the Japanese star.

When the preliminary mixed doubles field was announced in June, Kyrgios and Osaka were listed as a pair, generating excitement among tennis fans. Their pairing promised high drama and star power, as both players have made headlines on and off the court. However, Kyrgios’ knee injury forced him to miss Wimbledon, and he was subsequently unable to participate in the warm-up events in Washington, Toronto, and Cincinnati.

By late July, the US Open organisers revealed 14 of the mixed doubles teams, leaving two spots open. With Kyrgios and Osaka absent from the initial draw, speculation grew that officials were waiting to see if the Australian would recover in time. Fans held out hope that the 30-year-old would be fit, but the draw released on Sunday confirmed that Osaka would now team up with French veteran Gael Monfils.

The new pairing will face Caty McNally and Lorenzo Musetti in their opening match. For Osaka, the change comes after months of preparation expecting to compete with Kyrgios. Monfils, a former French Open finalist in singles, brings experience and flair to the team, but fans are eager to see whether the duo can quickly develop chemistry on the court.

Kyrgios, known for his candid remarks and entertaining style, had expressed considerable enthusiasm about partnering with Osaka before his withdrawal. "What other sport in the world can you have your favorite female athlete play with your favorite male athlete and compete for prize money and a Grand Slam trophy?" he said last month. "So pairings like Raducanu and Alcaraz have created such a buzz around the sport, and my partner, Naomi, I think we can do some big things.".

The Australian’s optimism highlighted the potential of one of the most talked-about mixed doubles pairings of the season. Yet, the realities of injury recovery proved too much, reminding fans that even top-tier athletes are vulnerable to physical setbacks at critical moments.

Kyrgios remains entered in the US Open singles draw, though doubts about his participation linger. Earlier this year, he had hinted at retirement multiple times, adding another layer of uncertainty to his Flushing Meadows campaign. His ongoing injury and inconsistent schedule have sparked discussions about whether he might step away from competitive tennis in the near future.

For Osaka, the sudden change in partners is not unprecedented. She has previously adapted to new teammates in doubles events and is widely regarded for her resilience and tactical acumen on court. Her pairing with Monfils is likely to draw attention, combining the Japanese star’s baseline power with the Frenchman’s agility and showmanship. Analysts predict an intriguing matchup against McNally and Musetti, though the team will need time to synchronise strategies and communication.

Mixed doubles at Grand Slams often produce surprising results, and the US Open is no exception. With Kyrgios out, the spotlight now shifts to Osaka and Monfils to see if they can make an impact despite their limited preparation together. Tennis fans around the world will be watching closely, eager to see whether this last-minute combination can deliver the excitement and high-level performance that the original Kyrgios-Osaka pairing promised.

As the tournament is set to progress, Kyrgios’ focus will likely remain on his singles campaign, though uncertainty surrounding his fitness could influence his performance. Meanwhile, Osaka’s adaptability and determination will be key factors in how far she and Monfils can advance in one of the sport’s most unpredictable events.