Kyrgios handed wildcard for Cincinnati

Wimbledon runner-up Nick Kyrgios has been handed a wildcard into next month’s US Open tune-up event in Cincinnati, Ohio.

For the 27-year-old Australian, beaten by Novak Djokovic in his first Grand Slam singles final at Wimbledon last month, this will mark his sixth appearance in Cincinnati and first since 2019.

The Cincinnati Masters began in 1899 making it the oldest tournament in the United States still played in its original city. Australians have won twice, Ken Rosewall in 1970 and Pat Rafter in 1988.

Rafael Nadal, who was unable to play Kyrios in the Wimbledon semi-final due to an abdominal injury, is also on the entry list for the August 13-21 event, as is defending champion Alexander Zverev, who missed Wimbledon after injuring his ankle while playing Nadal in the French Open semi-final.

World No.1 Daniil Medvedev – who was banned from Wimbledon due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, is on the entry list as is Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic.

However, the Serb is unlikely to play due to his refusal to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Travellers seeking to enter the United States have to provide proof of vaccination.