Injured Nick Kyrgios says ‘time in the sport may be over’،
MELBOURNE, Australia — Australian tennis phenom Nick Kyrgios says he may never return to professional tennis and plans to retire to focus on a budding media career.
In a column written for the Sydney Morning Herald, the former world number 13 and 2022 Wimbledon finalist said he was “at a crossroads” in his career and that although he still had the desire to compete in the higher level, he I enjoyed getting away from the courts to do the media tour.
The 28-year-old commentated for ESPN and Eurosport at this year's Australian Open as he continues to recover from a knee injury that has affected him since January 2023.
“I met with my agent, Stuart Duguid, a few days ago to talk about my future. The reality is that there is a part of me that knows my time in the sport may be over. And I I agree with that.”, Kyrgios said in the column.
“It's a conversation that needed to be had. I'm at a crossroads in my career and have reached a point where life after tennis is a prospect that excites me.”
Later on Wednesday, in an Instagram post, Kyrgios said any speculation that he was “retired” was “absolute nonsense.”
“Yes, last year was tough with injuries, my knee, my wrist. But I'm always hungry, I'm constantly rehabbing in the gym,” he said, adding that “I just want everything the world knows it, all my fans.” , I'll be back, stay tuned, but there's still a lot left in the tank, don't stress.”
Kyrgios' tennis commentary has been a hit with audiences around the world, and his talk show “Good Trouble with Nick Kyrgios” officially launches this week, featuring a number of high-profile guests, including star returning actress Naomi Osaka, actor Rainn Wilson and entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk, among others.
“I could travel the world and make a lot of money commentating on sports, doing things like I do now with my talk show, interviewing guys like Gordon Ramsay and Mike Tyson,” Kyrgios said.
“[Other players’] the whole world revolves around tennis, and that's never been the case for me.”
The Australian's final full year on the tennis circuit was a successful one; in January 2022, he won the men's doubles title with his good friend and compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis, while appearing in his first Grand Slam final at Wimbledon, where he lost to world No. 1 Novak Djokovic in four sets. disputed.
Kyrgios said he knew he could still compete for titles, but his body was letting him down.
“I sit there and watch some of the players on tour and I know in myself that this generation is not as strong as some of the players I have played against,” he said.
I know I can be one of the best in the world and win major tournaments, if my body allows it. The fire is still burning, but that's not all for me.”
The Australian also revealed he would not put his hand up to represent his country at the upcoming Paris Olympics this year, citing as a “disgrace” the treatment he received from the Australian Olympic Committee at the approaching the Rio 2016 Games. and a key factor in the decision.
“I was No. 13 at the time and had a real chance of winning a medal. For them to ban me from representing my country for behavioral reasons is something I simply cannot forget.” , did he declare.
“I won't put my hand up to play in Paris this year. Eight years ago I was desperate to represent Australia at the Olympics, but my mentality has changed. I wanted to play for my country. I can't say I still have this desire.
Kyrgios' last competitive tennis match took place in June 2023, at an ATP 250 event in Stuttgart, Germany.
