July Chris Oddo 07/02/2017

Fitness Issues Dragging Kyrgios Down at Wimbledon

Grass gives Aussie sniper Nick Kyrgios his best shot at going deep in a major. But a hip issue is set to make it much more difficult for the 22-year-old World No.20. Kyrgios has been dealing with a hip injury for much of the season and has taken injections to remedy the pain and inflammation.But he’s still not right, and the injury may require surgery to make it so.That’s not a bridge that Kyrgios wants to cross at this juncture of his career, so he’ll continue playing at less than optimal form for the meantime."Probably 60, 65 per cent," he said of his health after a recent exhibition event in Buckinghamshire, according to AAP. "It's not great. I played a couple of matches at Boodles the last couple of days to see where I was at and it's definitely not 100 percent.”Kyrgios has made the second week at Wimbledon in each of the last three years, and owns a 13-7 lifetime record on grass, but his handicap might make it tricky this season. He’ll open his Wimbledon with a first-round encounter with Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert on Monday on No.3 Court.If the seeds hold he’s slated to face France’s Lucas Pouille in what will be a highly anticipated third-round clash."I can serve well and still be successful but, at the same time, it's not where I'd like my body to be,” Kyrgios said. “But I'm still going to obviously feel confident on the grass.”

Solid session today @Wimbledon The New @SpursOfficial @nikefootball kit is pure 🔥 #WatchUsRise 👌🏽🎾⚽️ pic.twitter.com/xfQel4TmDx
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) July 1, 2017

Not known for his methodical training, Kyrgios did stress that he has been extra keen on attempting to maintain his fitness as the Championships approach.“I'll be doing absolutely everything I can,” he said. “I've been taking anti-inflammatories, doing an hour and a half of rehab every day, getting treatment." ]]>

Chris Oddo

Chris Oddo is a freelance sportswriter, podcaster, blogger and social media marker who is a lead contributor to Tennisnow.com. He also writes for USOpen.org, Rolandgarros.com, BNPParibasOpen.com, TennisTV.com, WTAtennis.com and the official US Open program.