Kyrgios hobbled in pre-Wimbledon loss to Aussie
Nick Kyrgios’ Wimbledon campaign could be jeopardised by his problematic knees after the Australian hobbled to a loss at the Mallorca Championship.
Former Wimbledon runner-up Kyrgios was beaten 6-3, 6-4 by compatriot Adam Walton on Tuesday (AEST) and was clearly bothered in his movement.
Nick Kyrgios in action in Spain. beIN Sports
Kyrgios’ right knee has long been an issue, but he also appeared troubled by his left against world No.92 Walton.
The 31-year-old’s booming serve kept him in the contest for parts of the round-of-32 clash and the crowd appreciated him fighting through the pain barrier.
Walton will face second seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the round-of-16 while Kyrgios will try to get his body right for Wimbledon.
Kyrgios did not receive a singles’ wildcard for the London grand slam tournament, with Grigor Dimitrov and Stan Wawrinka the only non-British players to do so.
He will contest the doubles from July 1 with Alexander Bublik in one of the biggest serving combinations to ever grace a court.
Meanwhile, Bernard Tomic kept his Wimbledon singles hopes alive by beating Japan’s Kaichi Uchida 6-3, 6-2 in qualifying.
Tomic will now take on fellow Aussie Chris O’Connell with the winner only one match away from a place in the main draw.
