Polarising Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios was offered a commentary job for the Australian Open by Channel 9 but rejected the advances of the broadcaster to focus on his knee surgery.

In a huge blow to the grand slam tournament, Kyrgios pulled out of the tournament with a knee injury just before his first round match with Roman Safiullin.

It meant that the tournament would be without Australia's leading men's hope and Wimbledon finalist, along with the retired reigning women's champion Ash Barty.

US Open champion Carlos Alvaraz withdrew before the tournament started and world No.2 Rafael Nadal was knocked out in the second round along with a host of seeded players, leaving the tournament short on star power.

The Sydney Morning Herald, which is owned by Channel Nine, said the media company had reached out to Kyrgios following the injury to try and recruit him as a commentator instead.

'There's no denying Nick Kyrgios is a ratings sensation. After his shock withdrawal from the tournament, Channel Nine, the publishers of this masthead, reached out to his management to see if there was any appetite from the 27-year-old to make his commentary debut,' the article read

''Kyrgios, though, decided to enjoy his last few nights in Melbourne with friends and family. He has a specialist appointment for his knee on Thursday before going under the knife to repair the tear on Monday.' 

Kyrgios had been suffering from discomfort in his knee, and an MRI revealed a small tear in the lateral meniscus as well as a cyst, and now he will have arthroscopic surgery on the knee. He hopes to be back on the court in time for the Indian Wells tournament in March.

After withdrawing from the United Cup team event in late December due to an ankle injury, Kyrgios was expected to compete in the Australian Open. Despite playing Novak Djokovic in an exhibition match last week, he said he 'didn't pull up well'. 

 Kyrgios posted a message praising his 2022 Australian Open winning doubles partner and good friend Thanasi Kokkinakis

'I love you @TKokkinakis you did amazing bro,' he posted with a heart emoji.

'Head up, you are playing sick tennis.'