Nick Kyrgios says he “probably” played singles for the last time at the Australian Open after suffering a first-round defeat to Britain’s Jacob Fearnley in Melbourne.
Home favourite Kyrgios, the 2022 Wimbledon finalist, was handicapped by an abdominal strain as Fearnley prevailed 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 7-6 (7-2) in two hours and 19 minutes on Monday.
Kyrgios, 29, was roared on by a partisan crowd as he played in his first Grand Slam since the 2022 US Open after recovering from chronic wrist and hip injuries.
Britain’s Jacob Fearnley played superbly to claim a straight sets victory in Melbourne
“Realistically I can’t really see myself probably playing singles again here, so it was special,” Kyrgios said. “Like taking that in, it was pretty good.
“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.”
More to follow…
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