Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from an exhibition event with Novak Djokovic scheduled for Thursday due to an abdominal strain, casting more doubt on the former Wimbledon finalist's chances of making his Australian Open comeback this month.

Nick Kyrgios’ planned return to Grand Slam tennis at the Australian Open is in doubt after he sustained an abdominal injury and was forced to withdraw from an exhibition with Novak Djokovic this week

Novak has opened a sort of reign at the Australian Open by winning 10 titles in history. After several years of unbeaten runs, in 2024 Djokovic returned to recover from a defeat on the Rod Laver Arena against an inspired Jannik who then became champion.

Novak Djokovic returns to the scene of his greatest triumphs this week at the Australian Open, adamant he is ready and able to see off the challenge from Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz in his pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam crown.

Novak Djokovic is targeting an 11th Australian Open title and record 25th Grand Slam crown but faces an uphill battle against Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. - Carlos Alcaraz - Still just 21, the Spaniard already owns four Grand Slam titles -- including the French Open and Wimbledon last year -- since bursting on the scene with victory at the US Open in 2022.