Nick Kyrgios takes step back from singles at Australian Open, Stan Wawrinka gets wild card

Nick Kyrgios has taken himself out of the running for a main-draw wild card at this month’s Australian Open, clearing the way for three-time major winner Stan Wawrinka to get his farewell Down Under.

The former Wimbledon finalist shared the decision Friday morning (Thursday evening in the U.S.) on his Instagram story, noting that playing best-of-five set isn’t where he’s at yet in his comeback from knee and wrist injuries.

“After some good conversations with TA (Tennis Australia), I’ve made the call to focus on doubles for this year’s AO. I’m fit and back on court, but five-setters are a different beast and I’m not quite ready to go the distance yet,” he said.

This tournament means everything to me but I’d rather give my spot to someone who’s ready to make their moment count.

Kyrgios partnered long-time friend Thanasi Kokkinakis to an opening doubles win in Brisbane ahead of a 6-3, 6-4 defeat in singles to Aleksandar Kovacevic.

In not pursuing the 128-player field at the season’s first major, it further opened the door for 2014 champion Wawrinka to make one final appearance in his last season on tour. A few hours after Kyrgios' note went up, the Swiss was announced as the wild card recipient by the tournament.

“This tournament means everything to me but I’d rather give my spot to someone who’s ready to make their moment count,” added Kyrgios. “It’s all building blocks and I’ll be back next year and pumped to compete. See you out there.”

The 40-year-old Wawrinka, who has been more than competitive in Switzerland’s run to the United Cup semifinals, previously noted he had also been in discussions with tournament director Craig Tiley.

Former Top 30 player Jordan Thompson had been a potential candidate to receive the wild card as well, having slipped outside of the Top 100 following an up-and-down year that brought its share of health setbacks.

Kyrgios and Kokkinakis will reunite for another run at Melbourne Park, with the latter working his way back from a devastating pectoral injury. The two memorably captured the trophy at their home major four years ago in an all-Australian final over Matthew Ebden and Max Purcell.