Nick Kyrgios drops retirement hints with honest admission after crushing Australian Open defeat

Nick Kyrgios has dropped some major hints that he might be heading towards the end of his career, coming just minutes after his crushing loss in the first round of the 2025 Australian Open. The Aussie, playing his first Grand Slam match in three years, fell in straight sets to Jacob Fearnley on Monday in front of his home crowd.

Kyrgios made his return to action earlier this year at the Brisbane International after several months on the sidelines recovering from a wrist injury. During his first-round exit there, the 29-year-old felt more injury concerns, but had declared himself fit to play at the Australian Open this week nonetheless.

However, his homecoming was cut short by Fearnley, who won 7-6(3), 6-3, 7-6(2) with a decisive display at the John Cain Arena. Speaking at his press conference afterwards, Kyrgios dropped a bomb, stating that he has likely played his final ever singles match at the Australian Open and realistically does not see himself playing another match at the tournament.

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

"I was hurting physically. I respect my opponent. The fans waited hours to come see me play. Yeah, I mean, realistically I can't see myself playing a singles match here again," he added.

The former Wimbledon finalist, however, did not make a mention about his plans for the other three Grand Slams. Interestingly, he also made clear that he will play at least one more doubles campaign at the Melbourne major in the future, saying that his fans deserve to see him play one more time with Thanasi Kokkinakis. The 'Special Ks' won the title Down Under in 2022, marking the maiden doubles Slam for both players.

"Yeah, me and Thanasi, I think we owe it to each other to go out there and play. Obviously 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, but guess we will play doubles. Ill play doubles. So yeah," Nick Kyrgios said.

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"All my focus now is just not taking anything for granted" - Nick Kyrgios

2025 Australian Open - Day 2 - Source: Getty

At the press conference, Nick Kyrgios further admitted that it has been tough coming back from injury, especially that feeling of going from competing at a high level to struggling physically.

While the Aussie is hoping that his year will turn around as he gets more matches under his belt, he also made it clear that for the moment he will just take things day by day.

"It's hard. When you're competing for the biggest tournaments in the worid and you're struggling to win sets physically, it's pretty tough. But I've still got a long year ahead. I'm trusting the process that can still be able to do some cool things this year at some stage," Nick Kyrgios said.

"All my focus now is just not taking anything for granted. Playing doubles with Thanasi, one of my good mates, we've won this event before. We owe it to each other think to go out there in front of the crowd and have a bit of fun," he added.

As of now, it is not certain where Nick Kyrgios will play next, especially after his injury concerns in Australia.