Story byNick Kyrgios Kieran FrancisTue, January 6, 2026 at 5:51 AM UTC·2 min readWincing Nick Kyrgios loses: Australian Open in doubt after loss at Brisbane International originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Nick Kyrgios' hopes of playing in the Australian Open are under threat after a first-round defeat at the Brisbane International. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe 30-year-old was frequently seen wincing and grasping at his elbow during the straight sets defeat to American journeyman Aleksandar Kovacevic 6-3 6-4 on Tuesday afternoon. In the early stages of the match, Kyrgios was smiling as he matched the world no.60 but when the American got on top, the mood turned sour with the Aussie looking pained with his right elbow. Kovacevic snared the first set after converting the only break point he created, while Kyrgios didn't get any opportunities on his opponent's serve and only struck four winners to American's 14. MORE:Novak Djokovic makes shock decision ahead of the Australian OpenAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIt was relatively even second set also, but Kyrgios gave up a break in the ninth game, before Kovacevic easily served the match out. Kyrgios is relying on getting a wildcard off Tennis Australia to participate at the major, with it clear both parties are waiting to see if he will be fit enough to compete at Melbourne Park. The Wimbledon finalist himself admitted he wouldn't accept a wildcard for the Australian Open unless he could compete at a high level."[John] Milliman gave his wildcard up for me when he was injured at the French Open," he said prior to the Brisbane International. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement"He wasn't feeling 100 per cent, and that is where everything kicked off for me in my career. After that moment, I became a different player.
