Nick Kyrgios Reflects on Australian Open Defeat, Eyes Future in Doubles
Nick Kyrgios announced that he may have played his last singles match at the Australian Open following a first-round loss to Britain’s Jacob Fearnley. The 2022 Wimbledon finalist faced challenges due to an abdominal strain, which contributed to Fearnley’s straight-sets victory of 7-6 (7-3), 6-3, 7-6 (7-2) in a match lasting two hours and 19 minutes.
The 29-year-old, cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd, competed in his first Grand Slam since the 2022 US Open after overcoming chronic wrist and hip injuries. “Realistically, I can’t really see myself probably playing singles again here, so it was special,” stated Kyrgios. He emphasized the importance of respecting the fans and his opponent, mentioning that he felt he owed it to them not to withdraw from the match despite his physical discomfort.
Looking ahead, Kyrgios confirmed his intention to participate in doubles alongside friend and fellow Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis, who advanced in his own first-round match despite facing his own injury concerns. Kyrgios shared, “Yeah, me and Thanasi, I think we owe it to each other to go out there and play,” referring to their successful partnership that secured the 2022 doubles title in Melbourne.
As Kyrgios anticipates 2025 to be his likely final year competing in singles, he remains hopeful about making a strong showing at Wimbledon, contingent on his health. “100 percent, I’ll play the Grand Slams. I’ve got my protected ranking,” he affirmed, expressing confidence in his ability to “make some noise” at the prestigious grass-court tournament if he can recover adequately.
Stay tuned for more updates on Kyrgios’ journey and the ongoing tennis season.
