Nick Kyrgios pulls out of Wimbledon build-up event due to neck pain

‘I’m sorry’: Tennis bad boy Nick Kyrgios pulls out of Wimbledon build-up event due to neck pain

Nick Kyrgios has pulled out of next week’s Queen’s Club Championships grass court event due to neck pain, raising doubts about the Australian’s participation at Wimbledon later this month.

Kyrgios, who last played at the Australian Open in February, was due to make his return for the grass court season after skipping the whole clay court leg.

‘My tennis family, I’m sorry my return has been pushed back as I am having some uncomfortable pain in my neck at the moment,’ the 26-year-old wrote on Instagram. 

Another blow: Tennis bad boy Nick Kyrgios has pulled out of Wimbledon build-up event due to neck pain

‘m trying to get on top of it but as I can’t serve 100% I will only be returning when I feel I can make full impact on the tour.’

Kyrgios reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals in 2014 after the Australian, who was ranked 144th at the time, beat world No.1 Rafa Nadal.

He has been replaced by Spain’s Feliciano Lopez at the Queen’s Club Championships, which are due to begin in London on June 14, two weeks before the June 28-July 11 Wimbledon Grand Slam.

Meanwhile, it was recently revealed that Kyrgios will also be joining the cast of Australian Ninja Warrior’s upcoming season.

Kyrgios, who last played at the Australian Open in February, was due to make his return for the grass court season after skipping the whole clay court leg

Kyrgios, who last played at the Australian Open in February, was due to make his return for the grass court season after skipping the whole clay court leg

He will join hosts Rebecca Maddern, Ben Fordham and Shane Crawford as a sideline commentator.

A promo video for the Channel 9 game show showed Nick providing commentary.

Introducing Kyrgios as ‘Australia’s most exciting tennis superstar,’ the trailer began, over on-court footage of the world’s 56th ranked men’s player.

‘Now, Nick Kyrgios joins Australia’s Ninja’s killer new team,’ the voiceover intoned, showing the Canberran alongside fellow stars Fordham, Maddern and Crawford.

Kyrgios and Crawford appear to be sharing sideline commentary duties this year, after the former AFL star took over from former cricketer Freddie Flintoff.

Surprise appearance: Meanwhile, it was recently revealed that Kyrgios will also be joining the cast of Australian Ninja Warrior's upcoming season

Surprise appearance: Meanwhile, it was recently revealed that Kyrgios will also be joining the cast of Australian Ninja Warrior’s upcoming season

The course was teased as the toughest of all time with obstacles now including underwater challenges to conquer Mt Midoriyama.

In the teaser, it also looked like competitors will also go head-to-head in challenges.

Stars of the series Jack ‘Deadly Ninja’ Wilson and Ashlin ‘Flashlin’ Herbert are seen racing each other on the course. Olivia Vivian will also return.

Australian Ninja Warrior will premiere Sunday, June 20 at 7pm on Nine.

Better half: Kyrios is pictured with his on/off girlfriend Chiara Passari

Better half: Kyrios is pictured with his on/off girlfriend Chiara Passari

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