Naomi Osaka and Nick Kyrgios haven't been awarded a wildcard for the US Open mixed doubles, but there is a very probable explanation why that's the case.
When the US Open revealed the list of signed-up teams for their revolutionary mixed doubles tournament in late June, the Japanese four-time Grand Slam champion and the 2022 Wimbledon runner-up were there. On Tuesday, the organizers of the last Grand Slam of the year shared the list of eight teams that made the tournament directly and other six pairs that received a wildcard – the Japanese/Australian combination wasn't on the list.
Osaka and Kyrgios not being on the list came as a surprise to many, considering that they would be one of the most attractive and entertaining teams to watch despite competing in a star-studded field. However, there is probably a reason why the US Open organizers are waiting to see whether to award one of the remaining two wildcards to the Japanese/Australian pair.
Last week in Washington, Kyrgios played his first tournament in four months. But even that didn't go as planned since he was forced to withdraw from singles and only played in doubles – where he and Gael Monfils were thrashed 2-6 2-6 by Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Hugo Nys.
Later, the Australian said that his knee was "cooked." With that being said, the US Open organizers likely agreed with the 30-year-old to first see if he is is fit enough to play and then award him and Osaka a wildcard for the mixed doubles tournament.
What Kyrgios said about playing mixed doubles with Osaka at the US Open?
Earlier this month, the Australian confidently stated that he and Osaka "could do some big things" as a duo.
"What other sport in the world can you have your favourite female athlete play with your favourite male athlete and compete for prize money and a Grand Slam trophy? So pairings like Raducanu and Alcaraz, they’ve created such a buzz around the sport and my partner, Naomi Osaka, I think we can do some big things," Kyrgios said three weeks ago.
