Overview
- His right shoulder flared during the Adelaide International after a three-set win over Sebastian Korda, forcing him to pull out there and then from the Melbourne singles.
- He recently returned after rare pectoral surgery involving a donor Achilles tendon and enters 2026 ranked around No. 670.
- He defended entering doubles while skipping singles, citing the different physical demands and a desire to avoid starting a match he might not finish.
- Nick Kyrgios has also withdrawn from singles, and says the ‘Special Ks’ are set to reunite in doubles at Melbourne Park.
- His withdrawal triggers draw changes and shifts in betting markets, creating openings for lower-ranked players early in the event.