The fiery homecoming of Nick Kyrgios at the 2025 Australian Open ended in heartbreak as the Aussie crowd favorite succumbed to Jacob Fearnley in straight sets, 7-6(3), 6-3, 7-6(2). Despite his relentless fight, the 29-year-old Kyrgios was visibly hampered by injuries, leaving fans at the John Cain Arena in a mix of awe and disappointment.
A Risky Comeback Turned Sour
Kyrgios’ participation in Melbourne was uncertain after a challenging start to his season at the Brisbane International, where he suffered an abdominal strain and wrist discomfort. Despite these setbacks, the ever-determined Aussie opted to compete, a decision that proved costly.
From the first ball, Kyrgios appeared far from his best. Grimacing with every point, his trademark blistering serve was noticeably dulled. By the time he led 4-3 in the first set, Kyrgios was audibly frustrated, exclaiming to his team, “I shouldn’t be out here!”
Fearnley’s Rise and Kyrgios’ Fight
While Kyrgios battled his physical limitations, Jacob Fearnley, a rising British star and ATP top-100 newcomer, delivered a composed and polished performance. The 21-year-old took full advantage of Kyrgios’ weakened state, holding his serve consistently and dominating key moments.
The first set slipped away in a tie-break as Fearnley outmaneuvered the Australian, winning 7-3. Kyrgios’ frustrations boiled over during changeovers, reportedly expressing dissatisfaction with his fitness coach for allowing him to play despite his injuries.
The second set followed a similar script, with Fearnley breaking early and cruising to a 6-3 win. Kyrgios, visibly struggling, seemed on the brink of conceding but instead chose to push forward, rallying for the crowd and digging deep into his bag of tricks.
A Flash of Kyrgios Magic
Despite the uphill battle, Kyrgios provided flashes of brilliance in the third set, thrilling the packed arena. At one point, he broke Fearnley’s serve with a behind-the-back shot, sending the crowd into a frenzy. The John Cain Arena roared with every point, creating an atmosphere worthy of a blockbuster match.
The set culminated in another tie-break, where Kyrgios’ desperation led to high-risk plays. A failed serve-and-volley attempt and a double fault handed Fearnley the momentum, and the Brit coolly closed out the match.
What’s Next for Kyrgios and Fearnley
While Jacob Fearnley advances to face Arthur Cazaux in the second round, Kyrgios faces a grim reality. His decision to play through injury has only prolonged his recovery, leaving questions about his future competitiveness. The Australian, who thrives on crowd energy and elite serving, will now have to regroup and reassess his fitness ahead of the season.
A Tale of Two Journeys
This match was a testament to two contrasting stories: Kyrgios’ grit and defiance against physical adversity and Fearnley’s poised emergence on the Grand Slam stage. For Kyrgios, it’s another chapter in his tumultuous career. For Fearnley, it’s the start of something big.
