Nick Kyrgios Hints Retirement After First Round Loss at Australian Open

Nick Kyrgios’ comeback has been highly anticipated since the time he announced in October that he is coming back in December and has his sights set on winning a Grand Slam. However, things have not gone as planned for the 29-year-old Australian. Kyrgios lost in straight sets to Jacob Fearnley in the first round of the Australian Open on Monday. Previously, he had lost in the first round of Brisbane, which was his first tournament after returning.

Kyrgios looked hampered for most of the match with his abdomen. It seems he wasn’t able to recover in time from the abdominal strain he picked up in Brisbane. His serve speed was way below his average and Fearnley outplayed him in almost every department. In the post-match press conference, Kyrgios sounded pessimistic about his chances of another appearance at the Australian Open.

Kyrgios Hints Retirement is Close

“Realistically, I can’t see myself proabably playing singles again here. I was knocking on the door, playing some of the biggest events, winning some of the biggest events and to see when you’re competing for the biggest tournaments in the world and you’re struggling to win sets physically, it’s pretty tough. It’s not enjoyable for me.”

Kyrgios might be very naturally talented. He passes the eye test, and he’s flamboyant and entertaining, but there is a reason most professional athletes evolve their game as they age. They become more efficient, they don’t just rely on their natural athleticism. They work hard, but Kyrgios in his prime years wasn’t interested in doing that. He did it in bursts, and he almost got away with it. And now that he is approaching his 30s, his body doesn’t have the conditioning to cooperate at the highest levels. The lack of matchplay and injury-filled seasons have taken their toll too.

The former Wimbledon finalist also said in his press conference that he still has a long year ahead and plans to play the rest of the Slams and Wimbledon will be a target for him. Nick Kyrgios will next be in action in doubles alongside his good friend, Thanasi Kokkinakis.