Nick Kyrgios says the tummy tuck that forced him to pull out of an exhibition match is “not too serious” and he is doing everything he can to be ready for the Australian Open.
The 29-year-old was due to play in the exhibition alongside Novak Djokovic on Thursday, but wrote on Instagram that an ultrasound revealed a Grade 1 strain.
He played his first singles match in 18 months last week at the Brisbane International, but said afterwards the first-round defeat had left him in “excruciating” pain.
However, speaking to Australia's 7News, external Kyrgios said on Wednesday that he “knows his body” and will take the necessary precautions to be able to appear in the first Grand Slam of the year, which starts in Melbourne on Sunday.
“I still have five days left,” Kyrgios said.
“I probably won't be serving for the next two days, I have some training scheduled and I'll do everything I can.
“It's not too serious. I'll take it one day at a time and give myself the best chance.”
