Nick Kyrgios says he “probably” performed singles for the final time on the Australian Open after struggling a first-round defeat to Britain’s Jacob Fearnley in Melbourne.
Dwelling favorite Kyrgios, the 2022 Wimbledon finalist, was handicapped by an stomach pressure as Fearnley prevailed 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 7-6 (7-2) in two hours and 19 minutes on Monday.
Kyrgios, 29, was roared on by a partisan crowd as he performed in his first Grand Slam for the reason that 2022 US Open after recovering from continual wrist and hip accidents.
Britain’s Jacob Fearnley performed fantastically to assert a straight units victory in Melbourne
“Realistically I can’t really see myself probably playing singles again here, so it was special,” Kyrgios mentioned. “Like taking that in, it was pretty good.
“I did not wish to simply throw within the towel and stroll off or retire. I used to be hurting bodily. I respect my opponent. The followers waited hours to come back see me play.
“Realistically I can’t see myself playing a singles match here again.”
Kyrgios plans to play doubles at Australian Open
Regardless of his harm, Kyrgios mentioned he nonetheless intends to enter the doubles alongside compatriot and shut good friend Thanasi Kokkinakis, who defied his personal bodily points to win his first-round match on Monday.
“Yeah, me and Thanasi, I think we owe it to each other to go out there and play,” mentioned Kyrgios, who received the 2022 doubles title in Melbourne alongside Kokkinakis.
“Obviously, I know that he’s a physical wreck most of the time, but he somehow pushes through. Props to him for getting through his match today.
“Yeah, however I suppose we are going to play doubles. I am going to play doubles.”
Whereas suggesting that 2025 is more likely to be his remaining yr on the tour competing in singles, Kyrgios mentioned he stays assured that he can “make some noise” at Wimbledon, if he’s wholesome when the grass-court match start on the finish of June.
He mentioned: “100 per cent, I’ll play the Grand Slams. I’ve got my protected ranking.
“Clearly, Wimbledon is a giant one for me. I nonetheless really feel like clearly, if I haven’t got an stomach pressure, I really feel after I sustained that 5 days earlier than a Grand Slam, it is not supreme.
“Hopefully, if my body’s feeling good, I’ll be able to make some noise at Wimbledon.”
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