Nick Kyrgios’ plans are back at French Open to play doubles for the first time since 2017.
The 30-year-old Australian has struggled with consecutive leg, knee and wrist injuries since running in the 2022 Wimbledon Finals, and has only played four singles this year.
Kyrgios, who last played for Roland Garros in his second defeat eight years ago, was planning to make up for his work in Paris by standing in Max Purcell, Thompson’s regular doubles partner, who is banned from doping.
“Nick was really pumped to play here. He kept messagering me every week. ‘Can you go to the Roland Garros dub?” compatriot Thompson told Australian media on Monday at Roland Garros. “He knows he was home to workout at Clay, but a few days ago Nick said he had done something to his lap, so unfortunately he couldn’t be here.
“He was pretty depressed. He said he didn’t know how much he could get hurt. You have to feel for him. I think he loves playing tennis as much as he says things in the media and he loves to be in court.”
Thompson will instead be paired with another Australian Jason Kubler, facing French duo Quentin Harris and Albano Olivetti in the first round on Tuesday.