Nick Kyrgios seemingly didn't manage to recover in time for the US Open mixed doubles event and Naomi Osaka had to find a replacement partner.
When the preliminary US Open mixed doubles player field was released in June, Kyrgios and Osaka had been there as a pair. But then, the Australian was forced to miss the entire grass season due to a knee injury. Unfortunately for the 2022 Wimbledon finalist, the same issue didn't allow him to play in Washington, Toronto, and Cincinnati.
In late July, the last Grand Slam of the year revealed the names of 14 teams signed up for the mixed doubles tournament, with two remaining pairs left to be announced at a later date. Since Kyrgios and Osaka weren't on the list, fans suspected that the tournament organizers waited to see if the Australian would be fit to play.
On Sunday, the draw was released and it was revealed that Osaka will play, but with Gael Monfils. In their opening match, the Japanese/French combination will take on Caty McNally and Lorenzo Musetti.
Kyrgios was hoping 'to do some big things' with Osaka
Before Kyrgios was hit with an unfortunate setback, he sounded extremely excited about joining forces with Osaka at Flushing Meadows.
"What other sport in the world can you have your favorite female athlete play with your favorite male athlete and compete for prize money and a Grand Slam trophy? So pairings like Raducanu and Alcaraz, theyve created such a buzz around the sport and my partner, Naomi, I think we can do some big things," the Australian said last month.
Meanwhile, Kyrgios is still signed up for the singles event at Flushing Meadows. However, his participation is certainly in doubt.
Earlier this year, the 30-year-old Australian hinted at retirement multiple times.
