The Australian Open has lost two of its most recognizable names, with Nick Kyrgios and Zheng Qinwen withdrawing from the tournament ahead of the main draw.
Nick Kyrgios and Qinwen Zheng deciding not to give it a go leaves the event without two of the more popular and polarizing figures in professional tennis.
Kyrgios’ withdrawal comes as little surprise given his ongoing struggle to return to full fitness after multiple injury setbacks over the past two seasons.
The former Wimbledon finalist had expressed optimism about competing in Melbourne, but his absence leaves his comeback uncertain rather than imminent.
On the women’s side, Zheng’s withdrawal carries a different kind of weight. The Olympic gold medalist and 2024 Australian Open finalist was expected to be one of the favorites to win her first Grand Slam title.
The Australian Open gets underway on January 12 in Melbourne, with main-draw play beginning at Melbourne Park as the season’s first major sets the tone for the year ahead.
Fans and tennis bettors can find the latest Australian Open news, analysis, entry lists, and tournament updates throughout the event at Crush Rush News, with coverage updated daily as the draw unfolds.
Phil Naessens is a former tennis academy owner and longtime resident professional who has coached and evaluated players across the United States and Europe. He has worked in tennis hubs including Las Vegas, Mykonos, Dubai, and Corfu, bringing decades of first-hand experience in player development, match dynamics, and competitive readiness. His analysis focuses on on-court mechanics, physical signals, and betting market inefficiencies, with an emphasis on process and responsible wagering rather than hype or prediction.
