Kyrgios Hints at Singles Retirement, Focuses on Doubles and Other Pursuits

Kyrgios Hints at Singles Retirement After Australian Open Loss

Nick Kyrgios dropped a bombshell after his first-round loss at the Australian Open, hinting that he may have played his last singles match at his home Grand Slam. The 29-year-old fell to British qualifier Jacob Fearnley in straight sets, a result that left him contemplating his singles future in Melbourne.

"Realistically, I can't really see myself probably playing singles again here," Kyrgios admitted to reporters. He acknowledged the special atmosphere and the support of the crowd, but expressed doubts about his ability to compete at the highest level in singles at Melbourne Park again.

Kyrgios' statement carries significant weight, given his history of bold pronouncements and his recent injury struggles. He returned to the court after an 18-month absence due to wrist and knee surgeries, only to withdraw from an exhibition match against Novak Djokovic last week due to an abdominal injury. He opted to play through the injury against Fearnley, but it clearly hampered his performance.

Despite the singles setback, Kyrgios remains committed to doubles. He is paired with Thanasi Kokkinakis, with whom he won the title in 2022. He also plans to compete in the remaining three Grand Slams this year, with Wimbledon being a particular focus.

"Obviously, Wimbledon is a big one for me," he said. "Hopefully, if my body's feeling good, I'll be able to make some noise at Wimbledon."

Kyrgios' future in singles remains uncertain. His recent comments suggest a possible shift in focus towards doubles and other pursuits. However, with his talent and unpredictable nature, it's impossible to rule out a return to singles competition in the future.