<h2>Nick Kyrgios in Doubt for Australian Open – Straight Sets Summary:</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>- &nbsp; Nick Kyrgios suffers straight-sets defeat to Aleksandar Kovacevic at Brisbane International amid visible elbow discomfort.</p> <p>- &nbsp; <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/tennis/mens-australian-open/men-s-australian-open-winner-2026-8896398">Australian Open</a> wildcard hopes are now uncertain for Kyrgios as Tennis Australia awaits fitness assessment.</p> <p>- &nbsp; The former Wimbledon finalist vows only to accept a wildcard if he can deliver "Kyrgios experience" for fans.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Kyrgios Struggles in Brisbane</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The 30-year-old Australian tennis star endured a challenging afternoon at the Brisbane International, falling to American journeyman Aleksandar Kovacevic in straight sets, 6-3 6-4.</p> <p>Throughout the match, Kyrgios was visibly hampered by elbow discomfort, frequently wincing and clutching his right arm as the contest progressed.</p> <p>Initially, Kyrgios appeared in good spirits, matching the world No.60 in the early exchanges. However, as Kovacevic gained momentum, the mood shifted dramatically.</p> <p>The American capitalised on his only break point opportunity to claim the opening set, whilst Kyrgios managed just four winners compared to his opponent's 14 and failed to create a single break point chance.</p> <p>The second set followed a similar pattern, with Kovacevic securing the crucial break in the ninth game before comfortably serving out the victory. For Kyrgios, who has played only six professional matches since suffering wrist and knee injuries in 2022, the defeat raises serious questions about his readiness for Melbourne Park.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Australian Open Wildcard Decision Looms</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Nick Kyrgios' Australian Open participation now depends entirely on receiving a wildcard from Tennis Australia, with both parties closely monitoring his physical condition.</p> <p>The former Wimbledon finalist has set high standards for himself, stating he would only accept the wildcard if he could compete at an elite level.</p> <p>"[John] Millman gave his wildcard up for me when he was injured at the French Open," Kyrgios explained prior to the Brisbane International. "He wasn't feeling 100 per cent, and that is where everything kicked off for me in my career. After that moment, I became a different player."</p> <p>The Australian's commitment to delivering value for tennis fans is evident in his approach to the wildcard decision.</p> <p>"If I am feeling great and I can get through this week and perform at the Australian Open... people are paying good money to be there.</p> <p>If I can't give them the Kyrgios experience I would genuinely rather give it to someone that earned the wildcard and is in tip-top shape."</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Road to Melbourne Park Uncertain</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>With the Australian Open draw approaching, time is running short for Kyrgios to prove his fitness.</p> <p>The Brisbane International defeat to a player ranked outside the top 50 suggests significant challenges remain. However, Kyrgios still has an opportunity to demonstrate improved form at the upcoming Kooyong Classic.</p> <p>The reality facing Australian tennis fans is that the dynamic, unpredictable Kyrgios of old may be difficult to recapture.</p> <p>After years of injury struggles and limited match play, expectations must be tempered. Tennis Australia faces a delicate balancing act between supporting a homegrown star and ensuring wildcards go to players capable of making genuine impacts at Melbourne Park.</p> <p>For now, Australian Open wildcard hopes for Nick Kyrgios remain uncertain, with his physical condition and competitive readiness under intense scrutiny ahead of the year's first Grand Slam tournament.</p>