Nick Kyrgios has revealed his intention to play for only one or two more years, expressing feelings of fatigue following a season marred by injuries.
Kyrgios participated in just one match in 2023, facing Yibing Wu in Stuttgart and losing in straight sets before withdrawing from the rest of the season due to a wrist injury.
The 28-year-old faced a delayed start to this season due to a cyst resulting from a tear in his lateral meniscus, for which he subsequently underwent arthroscopic surgery. Following the confirmation of his absence from the Australian Open next year, Kyrgios shared his sentiments about his career on the On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast.
“If it was up to me, I don’t really want to play any more to be honest,” revealed Kyrgios. “I have to [keep playing]. I’ve got so much more to give but, for me, I don’t feel like playing any more.”
He continued, “I’m tired. I have had three surgeries now. I’m only 28 years old, I always wanted to have a family and not be in pain. When I get up, I can’t walk without pain. It’s a tough gig.”
Due to being inactive on the ATP Tour, Kyrgios has fallen off the rankings entirely and is thinking about how he would like to finish his career.
“I only want to play for about another one to two years, be at the top, and go down my own terms,” said the 2022 Wimbledon finalist. “I would hate to have another surgery or anything like that. I think I’ve still got the ability to have a good one to two years and then that’s it.
“I think I’ll be at peace with everything I’ve achieved and I’m going to have to just say to everyone out there who wants me to play more, ‘you’re just going to have to be OK with me not playing any more’.”
While Kyrgios’ talent has never been in question, his commitment to the sport has consistently been a subject of uncertainty. Although 2022 appeared to be a turning point in his career, injuries may have set him back once again, leading to contemplation about the conclusion of his tennis career.
