Nick Kyrgios has tested positive for COVID-19 with the virus set to halt his preparations for the Australian Open.
The Aussie tennis star was set to play in the opening round of the Sydney Tennis Classic against seventh seed Italian Fabio Fognini on Monday evening, but withdrew only hours before the match was set to begin.
Kyrgios later revealed via his Instagram story that he had tested positive for COVID-19, but wasn't suffering any symptoms.
"Hey everyone, I just want to be open and transparent with everyone, the reason I have had to pull out of Sydney is because I tested positive for Covid," Kyrgios wrote on Instagram.
"I am feeling healthy at the moment with no symptoms.
"I wish everyone all the best and to stay safe where you can.
"If all goes well I will see you all at the Australian Open."
It means that if Kyrgios is fit for the Australian Open, starting on January 17, he will have not have played a competitive match since September, after withdrawing from last week's Melbourne Summer Set because of illness.
Kyrgios' withdrawal is a big blow for the Sydney Olympic Park-based tournament, which has already been rocked by the decision by women's world no.1 Ash Barty to pull out and head straight to Melbourne for the Australian Open.
