Nick Kyrgios has strongly hinted at retirement from singles tennis after suffering a first-round defeat at the Australian Open to Britain’s Jacob Fearnley.
The 29-year-old Australian, who reached the Wimbledon final in 2022, was hampered by an abdominal strain as he fell to a 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 7-6 (7-2) defeat in Melbourne.
Playing in his first Grand Slam since the 2022 US Open following chronic wrist and hip injuries, Kyrgios suggested this could mark his final singles appearance at his home Grand Slam tournament.
Despite the partisan home crowd support, Kyrgios was unable to overcome his physical limitations during the two-hour-and-19-minute contest.
Nick Kyrgios doesn’t think he will play in the singles at the Australian Open again
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“Realistically I can’t really see myself probably playing singles again here, so it was special,” Kyrgios said after the match.
The Australian showed his respect for both opponent and fans, refusing to retire despite his injury struggles.
“I didn’t want to just throw in the towel and walk off or retire,” he said.
“I was hurting physically. I respect my opponent. The fans waited hours to come see me play.”
Despite his injury concerns, Kyrgios confirmed his intention to compete in the doubles event at the Australian Open alongside compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis.
Nick Kyrgios was knocked out by Jacob Fearnley
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“Yeah, me and Thanasi, I think we owe it to each other to go out there and play,” said Kyrgios, who partnered with Kokkinakis to win the doubles title in Melbourne in 2022.
Kokkinakis managed to win his first-round singles match on Monday despite his own physical challenges.
“Obviously, I know that he’s a physical wreck most of the time, but he somehow pushes through. Props to him for getting through his match today,” Kyrgios added.
While suggesting 2025 would likely be his final year competing in singles, Kyrgios expressed confidence about potentially making an impact at Wimbledon.
“100 per cent, I’ll play the Grand Slams. I’ve got my protected ranking,” he stated.
The former Wimbledon finalist remained optimistic about his chances at the grass-court tournament, which begins in late June.
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Nick Kyrgios was struggling with an abdominal strain
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“Obviously, Wimbledon is a big one for me. I still feel like obviously, if I don’t have an abdominal strain, I feel when I sustained that five days before a Grand Slam, it’s not ideal,” he said.
“Hopefully, if my body’s feeling good, I’ll be able to make some noise at Wimbledon.”