Kyrgios Says Nadal, Federer And Djokovic Miss Australia Open: Absolute Disaster For Tennis Connoisseurs

JAKARTA - Australia's Nick Kyrgios thinks Roger Federer, already out of the Australian Open, would be "catastrophic" if Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal were not present for next year's first Grand Slam.

Kyrgios added the tennis tournament needed the "Big Three" to continue.

Nadal, Federer and world number one Djokovic are tied for a record 20 Grand Slam titles, but it is possible that none of them will be in action at Melbourne Park when 2022's first major tournament kicks off on January 17.

Federer, 40, has withdrawn after undergoing multiple knee surgeries, while Spaniard Nadal has yet to confirm his participation after recovering from COVID-19.

With organizers requiring all players and competitors to be vaccinated or have a medical exemption granted by a panel of experts, Djokovic kept everyone guessing, while repeatedly refusing to say whether he had been vaccinated against COVID-19.

The Serb said he was "against vaccination" and Kyrgios, a former world number 13, told Melbourne newspaper The Age that while he didn't know how Djokovic was, tennis needed him on the court.

"I wish him a good Christmas and I hope he can play in this sport for a long time, because I have voiced before that I think Federer, Nadal and Djokovic need to (play)," Kyrgios said. .

"If all three aren't there, it's a disaster. It's an absolute disaster for the fans and people who enjoy tennis."

"Yes, it's definitely a good opportunity for some young players to come in and make an impact, but overall, we need them to be a part of this sport."

The Australian Open has been hit by a series of injuries, with major winners Serena Williams, Bianca Andreescu, Stan Wawrinka and Domonic Thiem all sidelined.

Kyrgios, a crowd favorite at Melbourbe Park, has not played since late September with a knee problem, dropping to 93rd, which ruled him out of the Australian side for the season-opening ATP Cup in Sydney.

The 26-year-old will start his 2022 season at the ATP 250 in Melbourne next week. He earned a wild card to play in the Sydney Tennis Classic the following week.