Martina Navratilova makes her feelings known on Nick Kyrgios hinting at retirement after devastating Australian Open 1R exit

Martina Navratilova has shared her thoughts on Nick Kyrgios' surprising revelation that he might be nearing the end of his career after his exit from the 2025 Australian Open. The 29-year-old caused a stir when he cast doubt on his future in the sport following his straight-sets loss to Jacob Fearnley.

Kyrgios recently made his long-awaited return to the tour at the Brisbane International, where he sustained an abdominal injury after losing to Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in his tournament opener. The Australian's lingering injury appeared to impact him in his opening match at his home Slam, as he suffered a 7-6(3), 6-3, 7-6(2) loss to Fearnley.

Speaking during his post-match press conference, Nick Kyrgios revealed that he had likely played his last singles match at the Australian Open, sharing that he had been soaking up the exhilarating atmosphere with that possibility in mind.

The 29-year-old also explained his decision not to retire mid-match despite struggling physically, highlighting that he didn't want to let down his fans or disrespect his opponent.

"Realistically I can't really see myself probably playing singles again here. It was special. Like taking that in, it was pretty good. I knew that I have doubles, so I kind of was taking everything in tonight in those moments. It was nuts," Nick Kyrgios said.

"I didn't want to just throw in the towel and walk off or retire. I was hurting physically. I respect my opponent. The fans waited hours to come see me play. Realistically I can't see myself playing a singles match here again," he added.

Martina Navratilova offered her perspective on the Australian's remarks during an appearance on the Tennis Channel. The former World No. 1 suggested that Kyrgios was at a crossroads and would need to choose between pushing through the physical and mental challenges to get back to the top level or acknowledging that it was no longer possible.

"We'll see. This is again that quote from Ivanovic, 'Mental toughness is working hard even when the results aren't there.' Nick apparently had been working really hard getting to this point. Will he keep that mentality and stay tough and work hard, try to get back up to the top level that he was at or is it just too far away for him," Navratilova said.

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Nick Kyrgios: "Hopefully, if my body's feeling good, I'll be able to make some noise at Wimbledon"

Nick Kyrgios - Source: Getty

Despite his doubts about competing in singles at the Australian Open again, Nick Kyrgios shed light on his intention to take part in the remaining three Grand Slams of the season.

The 29-year-old also expressed his desire to make a deep run at Wimbledon, provided he stayed physically fit. Kyrgios has previously reached the final of the grasscourt major, finishing as the runner-up to Novak Djokovic in 2022.

"I'll play the Grand Slams. I've got my protected ranking. Obviously Wimbledon is a big one for me. I still feel like obviously, if I don't have an abdominal strain, I feel when I sustained that five days before a Grand Slam, it's not ideal. Hopefully, if my body's feeling good, I'll be able to make some noise at Wimbledon," Nick Kyrgios said.

Although Kyrgios' singles campaign at the Melbourne Slam has come to an early end, he will take part in doubles alongside compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis as they attempt to replicate their title-winning run from 2022.