Nick Kyrgios rules out playing singles at Australian Open to focus on doubles

• ‘Five setters are a different beast’, says 30-year-old

• Australian has attempted comeback from injury in recent weeks

Nick Kyrgios’s surgically-repaired knee and wrist will not prevent him from taking part at Melbourne Park, where Australian Open qualifying begins next week, but he will not feature in the singles draw.

The 30-year-old posted on social media saying he wasn’t ready for best-of-five set tennis, ruling himself out of contention for a wildcard, but he would still take to the court alongside friend and doubles partner Thanasi Kokkinakis.