Nick Kyrgios drops big retirement hint after Australian Open exit – 'Can't see myself playing singles here again'

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Nick Kyrgios has said that he might never play singles at the Australian Open again after he crashed out of the year's first Grand Slam in the first round. He was beaten by Britain's Jacob Fearnley in three sets - 7-6(3) 6-3 7-6(2) - despite a raucous home support giving him a rousing ovation on his return after an injury hiatus. Tim Henman is hopeful that Kyrgios will "keep going".

Kyrgios: Realistically I can't see myself playing singles again here

Video credit: TNT Sports

Nick Kyrgios has hinted that he might never play singles at the Australian Open again after he was dumped out in the first round by Jacob Fearnley.

The Australian was making his eagerly-anticipated return to tennis’ top table after an almost two-year injury lay-off, but the returning home favourite was stunned in straight sets by the Briton.

Fearnley came through 7-6(3) 6-3 7-6(2) on John Cain Arena, silencing the raucous home support for Kyrgios, who fought on despite clear indications that he was struggling with an abdominal strain that he had sustained before the start of the tournament.

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Speaking at his post-match press conference, Kyrgios cast doubt on his singles future, admitting that he "can’t really see myself playing singles again" at Melbourne Park.

"Realistically I can't really see myself probably playing singles again here," the 29-year-old admitted.

"It was special. Taking [the atmosphere] in, it was pretty good. I knew that I had doubles, so I was taking everything in tonight in those moments.

"It was nuts. 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."

Kyrgios did insist that he still had the ambition to play at the remaining Grand Slam tournaments this year, and said that his journey is "not over".

"I'll play the Grand Slams," he continued.

GB's Fearnley defeats home favourite Kyrgios - Australian Open highlights

Video credit: TNT Sports

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

"Right now [I have] the doubles, [and then] I'll rest. It's just disappointing because I put in so much work. I’m scheduled to play in the Davis Cup and in the doubles.

"My journey is not over, but I've had an amazing journey. My career's been amazing. I don't have any regrets."

Fearnley threatened in the seventh game of the opening set as Kyrgios fended off two break point opportunities, fighting through his physical pain to get to the tiebreak.

Fearnley admits to being 'extremely nervous' as he comes through 'rowdy match'

Video credit: TNT Sports

However, two quick-fire mini-breaks from the Brit had him 4-1 up in the breaker, and he converted the third of his set points to snare first blood.

He continued his momentum into the second set, breaking Kyrgios in the second game, before the Australian battled back in the third, breaking back to force another tie-break, which Fearnley steamed through.

"I knew tonight was going to be tough," Kyrgios said.

"With my physical state going into the match, I knew that I was going to be really hindered with my serve. It would have been really easy to kind of just roll over.

"I tried to do the best I could with the state I was in physically. Obviously, it’s heartbreaking because I wanted to play well. I feel like my level's there. The timing of the abdominal strain is not ideal.

"I'm happy to play through a bit of discomfort. I'm one of the biggest servers on tour, and I was getting outserved tonight. My average serve speed was beneath 200 (km/h).

"I mean, Nick Kyrgios without his serve is not a threat to many players."

Henman: I hope Kyrgios will keep going

Kyrgios was playing at the Australian Open for the first time 2022 after wrist surgery.

He went into the Grand Slam saying he would need a "miracle" for his wrist to hold up to the demands of best-of-five set matches.

Although Kyrgios suggested he won't be playing singles again in Melbourne, Eurosport expert Tim Henman hopes that will not be the case.

"He is still young, but it's going to be dictated by the way his body reacts.

Henman hopeful Kyrgios will 'keep going' after retirement hint

Video credit: TNT Sports

"If you are playing in pain it doesn't make it enjoyable but I certainly hope he can stick at it, give himself the opportunity of building physically and in the practice court and gym so he feels better on the match court.

"With his talent he will win matches back on the tour and he may enjoy it again and I certainly hope he keeps going."

Mats Wilander added: "He's maybe the most entertaining player we have had who hasn't won a Grand Slam.

"Everybody is suffering with him because he looked really down in that press conference. People love him and I was really hoping for a good comeback because I think he has a few more years in him with that talent and mind."

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