- Wrist injury yet again troubled Nick Kyrgios
- Forced to retire hurt at Indian Wells tournament
- Kyrgios’ career appears to be drawing to a close
Nick Kyrgios’ on-court future is under scrutiny after he was forced to retire hurt at Indian Wells in the first round on Friday.
Kyrgios, 29, was down 7-6 3-0 against Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp when he realised he couldn’t continue in California following a medical timeout.
In emotional scenes, the dejected Aussie broke down as his troublesome right wrist flared up – and the latest setback will only fuel speculation that Kyrgios will soon call time on his career.
‘There was a time I was a contender at all these events and after the surgeries I’ve had, especially on my right wrist, it’s not fair to put those expectations on me,’ he said pre-tournament in the US.
‘I still feel like I want to win matches and make some noise, but now I really understand the amount of work which just goes into getting to the start line.
‘Especially when you look at some of the players who have had wrist surgery….it takes time to get back to that level….and you may not ever get there.
‘I understand the challenge that is in front of me, it’s almost a bit tougher now because I see the reality of how my wrist is.’
It comes after Kyrgios conceded at the Australian Open in January it could have been his final time on home soil in the men’s singles draw.
Nick Kyrgios’ on-court future is in doubt after he was forced to retire hurt at Indian Wells in the first round on Friday
Kyrgios, 29, was down 7-6 3-0 against Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp when he realised he couldn’t continue
The dejected Aussie broke down as his troublesome right wrist flared up – and the latest setback will only fuel speculation that Kyrgios may well soon call time on his career
‘Yeah, it was special, I was taking it in (atmosphere),’ he told reporters after losing to Scotland’s Jacob Fearnley at Melbourne Park.
‘After my wrist surgery, I put in a lot of work. ‘I continued to stay motivated when I was watching everyone else play.’
If Kyrgios does walk away from the sport, he won’t be short of post-career opportunities.
His agent Stuart Duguid firmly believes Kyrgios could transition into the media, starting with commentary at all four grand slams.
‘I think if he wants, he can be the best (commentator) there is. He’s going to keep getting better and better,’ he said.
‘I mean, Nick’s tennis IQ is a complete joke – it is off the charts.
‘It’s probably one of the highest, if not the highest….which is why he’s done so well (in his career) without a coach.’
With the likes of Duguid in his corner, doors will open – it depends whether Kyrgios chooses to walk through them.
