Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios, once a shining star on the court, has hinted at retirement following his emotional withdrawal from the first round of the Indian Wells tournament. This comes after a two-year hiatus due to a wrist injury that has seen him struggle to regain his former prowess.
Kyrgios, a former Wimbledon finalist, staged his comeback in January but has since participated in a mere three tournaments without any singles victories to his name. The 29-year-old Australian’s recent withdrawal from Indian Wells, in a tearful exit no less, has led to speculation about the imminent end of his career.
The Aussie athlete’s difficulties became apparent during a practice session when he was seen clutching his right wrist, the same one that had undergone surgery. His match against Botic van de Zandschulp saw him retiring due to recurring issues with his wrist.
Despite receiving a wildcard into Indian Wells, Kyrgios’ performance was marred by his injury. The former world No. 13 rallied from a 1-4 deficit in the first set to force a tiebreak and even secured a set point. However, his comeback was short-lived as he ultimately lost the set. Visibly distressed, Kyrgios called in the trainer after losing a break, and with tears in his eyes, forfeited the match to Van de Zandschulp at 7-6(7) 3-0.
Expressing his frustration on TikTok following his withdrawal, Kyrgios lamented, “Gotta let go of what was. You are a new person, new player now”. He went on to hint at possible retirement, stating, “It ain’t easy, but you have to enjoy whatever is left in this tennis journey.”
The Aussie player’s comeback trail has been anything but smooth, with defeats in the opening matches at the Brisbane International and Australian Open. He acknowledged that regaining his best form might be a pipe dream, expressing his struggle with self-directed anger and frustration.
He reflected on his journey, stating, “It is a blessing to still be able to play this sport that has given me so much.” He also thanked those who have supported him during this emotional period, saying, “Emotional night for me. But I really appreciate everyone who’s helped me keep my head up. You know who you are.”
Kyrgios’ wrist injury has been a persistent issue. He underwent a “full wrist reconstruction” surgery in 2023, after which he spent several months in recovery and rehabilitation. Despite doctors warning him about the potential end of his professional tennis career, Kyrgios remains keen to compete as much as possible.
Following his abrupt withdrawal from Indian Wells, Kyrgios confessed his lack of confidence in his ability to play, admitting that he had doubts about stepping onto the court. “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.”
As fans and followers of Kyrgios await news of his next appearance on the court, the future seems uncertain for the seven-time title winner. Whether the Aussie player will continue to defy odds or bow out of the sport remains to be seen.
