Nick Kyrgios has suggested he is no longer the player he once was after returning from a two-year injury layoff. The former Wimbledon finalist made his comeback in January but has only played three tournaments and has failed to win any singles matches.
The Australian also hinted that the end of his career could be near following his tearful exit in Indian Wells, where he retired from his first-round match. Kyrgios had previously raised concerns when he cut a practice session short and was seen grabbing his right wrist, which he previously had surgery on.
Kyrgios was forced to retire from his match against Botic van de Zandschulp on Thursday when his wrist started to cause problems again. The 29-year-old received a wildcard into Indian Wells and showed some fight against the lucky loser before his injury took over.
The Aussie stormed back from 1-4 down in the first set to force a tiebreak and even had a set point, but he lost it. Kyrgios called the trainer after going a break down and was in tears as he decided to forfeit the match with Van de Zandschulp 7-6(7) 3-0.
It’s been a frustrating comeback so far for Kyrgios, who also lost his opening matches at the Brisbane International and Australian Open. After chasing his best form, the former world No. 13 has conceded that may be impossible and dropped a hint at permanent retirement.
“Gotta let go of what was. You are a new person, new player now,” Kyrgios wrote on TikTok a day after his injury withdrawal.
“It ain’t easy, but you have to enjoy whatever is left in this tennis journey. I’m a competitor, I always think I’m capable and I always want to play my best.
“But that also stems frustration and anger to myself – I have to be kinder – it is a blessing to still be able to play this sport that has given me so much.”
Addressing his decision to retire in the first round of Indian Wells, he added: “Emotional night for me. But I really appreciate everyone who’s helped me keep my head up. You know who you are.”
After the abrupt end to his campaign in Indian Wells, Kyrgios revealed he doubted taking to the court at all. “I wasn’t too confident that I was going to be able to play today, to be honest,” he said at the time.
“Two days ago in practice, I had to stop my practice because I felt pain in my wrist. I felt like it was OK to take to the court [but it] just got progressively worse. I started feeling sharp pain in my wrist.”
Kyrgios underwent wrist surgery in 2023 – a procedure he has branded a “full wrist reconstruction” – and spent months recovering and rehabbing.
The seven-time title winner previously explained that doctors told him he may never play professional tennis again.
Kyrgios still seems keen to keep competing while he can. It remains to be seen when and where the Australian will make his next appearance on a match court.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk