Nick Kyrgios has been forced to withdraw from his planned mixed doubles partnership with Naomi Osaka at the revamped US Open due to a knee injury, casting doubt over his singles campaign.
The 29-year-old has been entered into the singles draw under a protected ranking. He admitted his knee was “cooked” after a recent doubles return.
French star Gaël Monfils has replaced Kyrgios as Osaka’s partner.
The decision comes after Alex de Minaur’s plea to compete alongside his fiancée, British No.1 Katie Boulter, was denied. De Minaur had hoped the tournament would allow “real couples” to participate, but he missed out despite several high-profile withdrawals.
Australia’s representation in New York remains strong, with 14 players in the men’s and women’s singles draws and 16 more attempting to qualify.
Promising teenager Emerson Jones, a former world junior No.1, claimed her maiden US Open victory by upsetting American 10th seed Bernarda Pera. Astra Sharma, James Duckworth, James McCabe and Maddison Inglis also advanced, with Inglis defeating fellow Australian Storm Hunter.
Meanwhile, Bernard Tomic returned to Flushing Meadows for the first time in seven years. The 32-year-old, who recently reached Challenger finals in Kentucky and Colombia, boosted his ranking inside the top 200 to secure entry into qualifying.
Source: news.com.au
