In a classic case of history repeating itself, the ever-unpredictable Nick Kyrgios has once again sent ripples through the sports world by hinting at retirement.
Fans might be experiencing a sense of déjà vu, as the Aussie sensation has dabbled in retirement hints before, leaving us to wonder if this is a genuine farewell or just another chapter in the book of Kyrgios theatrics.
As doubts continue to grow as to whether the one-time Wimbledon finalist will overcome injury to one day return to the court, the 28-year-old has revealed he no longer wants to play tennis
Despite no desire to compete, Kyrgios maintains he will one day make a comeback and retire on his terms.
“If it was up to me, I don’t really want to play anymore to be honest,” Kyrgios told the On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast.
“I have to almost (keep playing). I’ve got so much more to give but, for me, I don’t feel like playing anymore.
“I’m exhausted, I’m tired. I have had three surgeries now that … 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.”
Kyrgios shared with the British podcaster that if he could turn back time, he might think twice about grabbing a racquet in the first place.
This isn’t the first time the Australian firebrand has dropped retirement hints. Over the years, Kyrgios has been no stranger to the headlines for his candid remarks about the challenges of professional tennis.
Whether expressing frustration with the tour’s demands, criticising fellow players, or questioning his commitment to the sport, Kyrgios has kept fans and the tennis community on the edge of their seats.
Following his impressive performance during the 2022 US Open, Kyrgios sent rumours flying after hinting that he would only play a few more matches.
After defeating Daniil Medvedev, in what sports commentators called the “best match of his career”, the 28- year-old announced to media outlets there would potentially be “three more matches” before he would “never have to play tennis again”.
“It’s the last biggest tournament of the year,” he said at the time.
“We got to try and just tough it out and keep pushing each other, keep being positive. We do realise it’s next week we’re going home. But three more matches potentially, then we never have to play tennis again.
“It’s a great win. But I come off the court and I’m just almost relieved that it’s over because there’s just so much pressure every time I go out on the court, so much expectation, so much unpredictability of what I can do.”
Later that year, Kyrgios got tennis fans and the sporting community talking once again after hinting that he may be hanging up his racquet and stepping away from the tennis court during a recent question-and-answer live stream on social media.
“Make it interesting, entertain me & I’ll entertain back,” he said, prompting his followers.
When one fan asked him whether he would still be competing past the age of 30, Kyrgios took fans by surprise when he revealed it didn’t appear likely.
“Honestly, probably not,” he replied.
“I wanna be able to not be bothered, probs gonna go to my house in the Bahamas and just sit and do nothing.”
Only time will tell if his most recent retirement announcement is another chapter in the ongoing saga of Kyrgios, or if we’ve truly witnessed the end of one of the most captivating careers in tennis history.
-with AAP.