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Nick Kyrgios has no doubt that the constant ball changes are to blame for Novak Djokovic's wrist injury, calling on the ATP to address this growing issue.
Throughout 2023, ATP and WTA players complained about constantly changing balls in tournaments. In late 2023, the criticism only intensified and more players started claiming that the constant ball changes were causing wrist, elbow, and shoulder injuries.
On Wednesday, world No. 1 Djokovic suffered a surprise 4-6 4-6 loss to Australia's Alex de Minaur at the United Cup. During the match, Djokovic was hampered by a wrist issue and he required an intervention on his wrist.
"Change of balls every week finally got to Novak's wrist. The ATP really need to do something about this problem. Players suffer all the time," Kyrgios wrote on X.
Change of balls every week finally got to novaks wrist 😭 the atp really need to do something about this problem. Players suffer all the time 🙏🏽
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) January 3, 2024
Kyrgios knows what's to blame for Djokovic's injury
While players think the constant ball changes are a big reason why the number of injuries across the ATP and WTA tours has increased, some think that just can't be possible.
"Also, for the people who think balls aren’t a big enough factor to result in an athlete being hurt are potato’s. The load through a players elbow, wrist over this vigorous season is enormous," Kyrgios added.
Also, for the people who think balls aren’t a big enough factor to result in an athlete being hurt are potato’s. The load through a players elbow, wrist over this vigorous season is enormous.
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) January 3, 2024
After Kyrgios blamed the balls on Djokovic's injury, some started criticizing the Australian tennis player and accusing him of taking credit away from de Minaur. Kyrgios had a strong message to those people, calling them "dumb" and highlighting that de Minaur is a great player who is absolutely capable of doing notable things.
"Ok for the noobs that think I’m taking credit away from Alex are just plain dumb. Demon is a hell of a player and deserves every success that comes his way," Kyrgios wrote.
Ok for the noobs that think I’m taking credit away from Alex are just plain dumb. Demon is a hell of a player and deserves every success that comes his way.
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) January 3, 2024
Meanwhile, Kyrgios is missing this year's Australian summer due to his ongoing wrist injury.