Nick Kyrgios hints at retirement after Australian Open defeat to Jacob Fearnley
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Kyrgios is hoping to compete at this summer’s Wimbledon but said he may have played singles at the Australian Open for the final time. Nick Kyrgios admitted he may have played his last singles match at the Australian Open after losing to Great Britain’s Jacob Fearnley in the opening round.
![[Kyrgios received medical treatment during the defeat]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/13/09/GettyImages-2193650519.jpg)
The Australian, 29, struggled with an abdominal injury as he made his long-awaited return to the tournament after almost 18 months on his sidelines. But the former Wimbledon finalist was beaten in straight-sets by the Australian Open debutant Fearnley, who subdued a raucous crowd on the John Cain Arena.
Kyrgios and his powerful serve were hampered by his injury but he said he did not want to quit as he does not know if he will be back playing singles again. “I mean, realistically I can’t really see myself probably playing singles again here,” Kyrgios told reporters after the defeat.
“It was special. Look, I knew that I have doubles, so I kind of 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.
“Realistically I can’t see myself playing a singles match here again.”. Kyrgios remains in the doubles with Australian favourite Thanasi Kokkinakis, who he won the title alongside in 2022. He said he is aiming to play at the remaining grand slams this season under his protected ranking.
