Nick Kyrgios says he “probably” played singles for the last time at the Australian Open after suffering a first-round defeat to Briton Jacob Fearnley in Melbourne.
Kyrgios, who reached the 2022 Wimbledon final, suffered an abdominal strain as Fernley beat 7-6 (7-3), 6-3, 7-6 (7-2) in two hours and 19 minutes on Monday.
Kyrgios (29 years old) received crowd support when he participated in his first major tournament since the 2022 US Open after recovering from chronic wrist and hip injuries.
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Take a look at some of Kyrgios' best scores of his ATP career so far.
Britain's Jacob Fearnley played brilliantly to claim a straight sets win in Melbourne
“Realistically, I can't see myself playing singles again here, so it was special,” Kyrgios said. “Like taking that into consideration, it was pretty good.
“I didn't want to give up, quit or retire. I was hurting physically. I respect my opponent. The fans waited hours to watch me play.
“Realistically, I can't see myself playing a singles match here again.”
Kyrgios plans to play doubles at the Australian Open
Despite his injury, Kyrgios said he still intends to compete in doubles alongside his compatriot and close friend Thanasi Kokkinakis, who defied his physical problems to win his first-round match on Monday.
“Yes, Tanasi and I, I think we owe it to each other to go out and play,” said Kyrgios, who won the Melbourne 2022 doubles title alongside Kokkinakis.
“Obviously I know he's a physical wreck most of the time, but somehow he manages. I congratulate him on getting through his match today.
“Yes, but I think we'll play doubles. I'll play doubles.”
While noting that 2025 is likely to be his final year in singles, Kyrgios said he remains confident he can “make some noise” at Wimbledon if he is healthy when the grass-court tournament begins at the end of June. .
“I will play in the Grand Slam 100%,” he said. “I have my protected rating.
“Obviously Wimbledon is a big tournament for me. I still feel that if I don't have a tight tummy, I feel like when I did five days before a Grand Slam, it's not ideal.
“Hopefully, if my body is in good shape, I can make some noise at Wimbledon.”
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