Nick Kyrgios’ comeback has suffered another major blow after retiring from his first-round ATP Tour match at Indian Wells.
Kyrgios trailed Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp 7-6 (9-7) 3-0 in their match at the BNP Paribas Open on Thursday night when he pulled out due to a right wrist injury.
The 29-year-old Canberran, who held a set point in the first set tiebreaker, broke down in tears and was frustrated upon leaving the court.
It follows Kyrgios’ first-round exit at January’s Australian Open, later admitting he had likely played his last singles match at Melbourne Park.
It was Kyrgios’ first appearance at a major since making the 2022 US Open quarter-finals and then requiring wrist and knee surgeries.
Kyrgios was hopeful before the event but shared how he was putting less pressure on himself knowing how hard recovery from surgery would be.
“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 before the match.
“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 the he level and you may not ever get there.
“I understand the challenge that as in front of me, it’s almost a bit tougher now because I see the reality of how my wrist is.”
Kyrgios said hurting himself in practice didn’t help his cause.
“I practiced for an hour and this second last point felt my wrist a little bit,” he said.
“It seems to be that point where I can’t really catch a break with my body but these are just things you have to navigate … this is the challenge in front of me.”
It’s unknown now when he’ll play again.
“I’ve definitely still got a bit of tennis to play,” he said.
“But I think my media career will be taking off.”
With AAP
