Spider bite sidelines Nick
A SPIDER bite has seriously hampered Nick Kyrgios’s preparation for the Australian summer but that is not the only thing bugging the 23-year-old.
Eighth seed Kyrgios conceded he would be lacking touch when he launched his Brisbane International title defence tomorrow after being hospitalised over Christmas nursing the bite on his foot.
But the Australian No.2 appeared more irritated by time spent away from home, saying he would cut back his 2019 schedule after tennis became a mental slog this year.
Kyrgios was handed a tough start to his Brisbane title defence after being drawn to face American Ryan Harrison in the first round – a rematch of the 2018 final.
And the world No.35 did not sound confident of his chances after being restricted by his swollen foot.
“It has definitely impacted my preparation,” he said.
“I will be rusty, to be honest. I wouldn’t be surprised if I go out there and hit 30 unforced errors.
“I didn’t take it (bite) seriously – I just felt an irritation on my foot the day before Christmas.
“I woke up Christmas Day and my foot was really swollen. I have been in hospital the last couple of days getting antibiotics, but I think I will be OK.”
Kyrgios reckoned he had not thought about tennis, let alone his Brisbane defence after enjoying his off season at hometown Canberra before the spider struck.