Nick Kyrgios is gearing up for the Australian Open (Image: Getty)
has dubbed the decision to remove media officials from his practice session a ‘misunderstanding’.
The tennis ace is gearing up for what could prove his final , but fitness concerns in the build-up to the tournament have cast doubt on his participation.
He enters his first Grand Slam since the 2022 US Open with a protected ranking and has been drawn up against Britain’s Jacob Fearnley in the opening round.
Understandably, there’s plenty of media attention surrounding the former runner-up, but journalists hoping to catch a glimpse of him at a practice session on Friday were soon told to leave the venue.
An invitation sent out to journalists was said to have been rescinded just minutes before the session was due to begin, causing confusion among the media representatives.
It didn’t stop them from turning up though, as the session was taking place on the easily-accessible Court 3 at Melbourne Park, with many taking the opportunity to watch on from the stands with the fans.
However, officials quickly got wind of this and asked the journalists, photographers and other media personnel alike to leave the stands, claiming they weren’t supposed to be there – something Kyrgios has dubbed a mistake.
Speaking in Australia, he said: “The media loves me for some reason, I’m not too sure why [but] I’m not surprised I saw cameras there.
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Nick Kyrgios was involved in a practice session on Friday (Image: Getty)
“It wasn’t supposed to be a closed session – I think there’s been a misunderstanding. I didn’t mind seeing cameras there – it’s good, it creates more of an atmosphere and a vibe.”
Kyrgios will be hoping the good vibes continue into the tournament, given his overall fitness has been a worry in recent weeks and months.
The 29-year-old has played in just two ATP matches since the beginning of 2023, with his most recent against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard on New Year’s Eve, ending in a 2-1 defeat.
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Despite his lack of on-court action, Kygrios has claimed he’s feeling close to his best and is ready to give the a proper go.
He told the Sydney Morning Herald: “I would probably say I’m nearing probably 100 per cent to play. I can take a lot of painkillers and I can try to tough it out, even though it’s probably not the smartest thing to do.
“Look, as I’ve said, this could be my last . It’s not like I’m announcing my retirement, but I don’t know how many times I’m going to be able to come back here and be a part of this amazing event. It’s one of the best events we have as tennis players.”
The main draw action will be underway in Melbourne on Sunday morning.