Nick Kyrgios added to star-studded Kooyong Classic player field

Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has been added to the star-studded Priceline Pharmacy Kooyong Classic player field, the tournament announced. The 23-year-old is set to make his third appearance on the hard courts of Kooyong.

The Australian debuted at the popular Australian exhibition in 2014. Kyrgios fell just short of beating Spaniard Fernando Verdasco in his Kooyong debut as he lost the match despite winning the opening set 6-7 (2) 6-3 7-6 (4).

The 23-year-old also failed to clinch his first Kooyong win in his second appearance at the tournament as he retired his match against Belgian Davis Goffin in 2016. The Australian was 7-6 (5) 2-3 up against Goffin when he retired the match.

Kyrgios needs as many matches as possible ahead of the Australian Open as he hasnt had a great start to the season. The Australian spent a couple of days in the hospital after getting bitten by a spider over Christmas.

Yet, the 23-year-old decided to open his 2019 season at the Brisbane International — but failed to defend his title. Kyrgios beat Ryan Harrison in the Brisbane first round before he lost to Jeremy Chardy in the round-of-16.

Kyrgios is expected to be joined in Kooyong by Marin Cilic, Kevin Anderson, Bernard Tomic, Jack Sock, Richard Gasquet, Damir Dzumhur and Feliciano Lopez. The Kooyong event is due to take place from 08-10 January. Kyrgios will also play FAST4 Tennis event this Monday.

Also read: Roger Rasheed: Nick Kyrgios could be big threat at Australian Open