After spider bite, Kyrgios "will be rusty" in Brisbane title defense

Court Report: Nick Kyrgios has barely practiced after being bitten by a spider

Australia's Nick Kyrgios is still a question mark as the new season begins, saying he is mentally recharged but "rusty" from the offseason break.

The 23-year-old entered the Top 15 in 2016 but is now ranked No. 35, getting to just one semifinal and being repeatedly warned about lack of effort during recent tournaments. He has also been frequently injured.

"Being home solved a lot of my problems. It was more mental than anything," Kyrgios was quoted as saying before he begins his title defense at Brisbane. "I was away from home for five-and-a-half months. I don't ever want to do that again. When I play tennis I enjoy it but I have no goals. I will have a very light schedule this year."

The Aussie will face the American Ryan Harrison in the first round of Brisbane, a rematch of the previous year's final.

But Kyrgios indicated he is not in top shape yet, having gone to the hospital a few days ago and received antibiotics when his foot became “really swollen" from a spider bite.

"It has definitely impacted my preparation. I haven't stepped on court for the last couple of days but it's getting better," 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 haven't touched a racquet for a month. Tennis is the last thing I want to do [in off-season]—I am sick of it by then.”

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