Nick Kyrgios withdraws from Indian Wells and Miami, further delaying 2023 debut; Sebi Korda also out of IW

Indian Wells, USA

Nick Kyrgios withdraws from Indian Wells and Miami, further delaying 2023 debut; Sebi Korda also out of IW

Elsewhere, four lucky losers have made their way into the draw of the ATP 500 event in Dubai.

Published Feb 27, 2023

Chanda Rubin & Prakash Amritraj Speak on Kyrgios's Impact | Tennis Channel Live 2022

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Nick Kyrgios won’t travel to the U.S. for the upcoming Sunshine Double at Indian Wells and Miami, further delaying his 2023 season debut.

Kyrgios pulled out from both 1000-level tournaments Monday, needing more time to recover from his left knee injury. The Australian underwent surgery in January to address the issue after being forced to miss the Australian Open following his United Cup withdrawal.

The reigning Wimbledon finalist last appeared on tour last October in Tokyo. There, he reached the quarterfinals but also had to cut that appearance short due to a left-knee problem, handing eventual champion Taylor Fritz a walkover.

Sebastian Korda is also out of the BNP Paribas Open, though hopes to be fully fit for the Miami Open. The American opened the year 8-2, but retired down two sets and 0-3 in his major quarterfinal debut at the Australian Open with a right wrist injury.

Sebastian Korda, who retired from his Australian Open quarterfinal with a right wrist injury, has withdrawn from Indian Wells with that same injury, but is targeting Miami for a return.

Korda has been able to do a “very solid fitness block” in his time sidelined, his team says.
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) February 27, 2023

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At this week’s ATP 500 event in Dubai, four lucky losers have moved into the field. Andy Murray and Benjamin Bonzi, who each finished runner-up at 250 tournaments over the weekend, were among the competitors to withdraw. Murray played four three-set matches in the lead-up to his final-round defeat to Daniil Medvedev and was due to face Hubert Hurkacz. The Pole beat Bonzi on Sunday to win the Marseille crown. Bonzi will also miss Indian Wells.

No lucky losers have gained entry in Acapulco as of noon ET Monday. It remains to be seen whether world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz will be fit to play, given the physical struggles he endured during his Rio Open final defeat to Cameron Norrie Sunday evening. The Spaniard was previously sidelined from the Australian summer swing after injuring his right leg during pre-season training.

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