Who’s battling physical issues ahead of the Australian Open? Kyrgios, Dimitrov, Zverev among 18 players
ATP
Just hours before the Australian Open begins, several players have reported physical issues over recent weeks, including Alexander Zverev, Grigor Dimitrov, Jack Draper, and Nick Kyrgios. The tournament kicks off this Sunday, with as many as 18 players possibly not at their best physical condition.
Players listed with fitness concerns include those who withdrew from tournaments early this year. However, it’s worth noting that some players might take precautionary breaks to avoid injuries or overuse strain, meaning some absences could be preventive rather than injury-driven.
Top players grapple with injuries ahead of Australian Open
Leading the list is World No. 2 Alexander Zverev, who participated in the United Cup, winning round-robin matches against Thiago Monteiro (Brazil) and Zhang Zhizhen (China). However, 'Sascha' complained of bicep pain and decided not to play in the quarterfinals against Kazakhstan, being replaced by Daniel Masur, which led to Germany’s elimination.
Jack Draper also withdrew from the United Cup to extend his rest before returning to the ATP Tour. The British No. 1 suffered a hip injury, forcing him to skip his only scheduled warm-up tournament. He will arrive at the Australian Open without any official matches.
Grigor Dimitrov performed well at the Brisbane International, reaching the semifinals against Jiri Lehecka. However, he retired during the second set at 4-6, 4-4 due to hip and groin problems. Dimitrov later stated he would take a few days off for recovery but did not indicate that he would miss the Australian Open.
Jordan Thompson also retired at the Brisbane International, withdrawing during the quarterfinals against Dimitrov due to a right calf injury. He then pulled out of Adelaide to rest for the Australian Open. In the Brisbane final, Reilly Opelka played just five games before retiring with a back injury, handing the title to Lehecka.
Nick Kyrgios cited wrist pain after the Brisbane International, raising concerns about his ability to handle best-of-five matches. He withdrew from exhibition matches in the week before the tournament but remains in the main draw.
Other players facing physical challenges include Tomas Machac, Flavio Cobolli, Fabio Fognini, Thanasi Kokkinakis, and Corentin Moutet.
🚩 Here is a list of players whose fitness levels can be questioned at the #AusOpen :
— Tennis Masterr (@tennismasterr) January 10, 2025
🇦🇺 Jasika - retirement this week (right knee)
🇫🇮 Virtanen - withdrew from all lead up events (talked about health issues in his IG)
🇺🇸 Opelka - retirement last week (back)
🇫🇷 Halys - retirement… pic.twitter.com/zWZKRmdToc
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- It sounds seriously absurd that in Davis Cup, (unlike Grand Slams such as the Aus Open), medical time outs off court with the medical staff are not allowed?? I mean, if this was an Aus Open match, and the same thing happened to Gurin then, he would have been able to go off court for official medical time out and make an informed decision whether to resume the match or retire. How come such conditions do not apply in Davis Cup?? I mean, there with Davis Cup, it is even more like a soccer match or basketball game in that teams are playing. And so as with those, it ought to be the case in tennis that if a player needs serious medical time out, then one of the other team mates ought to substitute and each team needs to have stand-ins or understudies in case substitution is needed which will be rare but as we can see here, this kind of circumstance fits. But even if the teams do not go down the road of subbing other team mates in, in case of a health issue like the one which played out here, at least, as in the Aus Open and other Grand Slams, there ought to be time-outs with the health professionals and at the conclusion of these time-outs, the particular decision that has been reached between them and the player needs to be taken on board by the umpire. PERIOD.
Sueiyin04-02-2025
