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Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios, 28, revealed his exhaustion and reluctance to continue playing tennis as he grapples with persistent injuries. The athlete, who missed all four majors in 2023 due to wrist, knee, and foot injuries, recently announced his withdrawal from the upcoming Australian Open in January due to ongoing concerns about his physical condition.
In an interview on the On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast, Kyrgios expressed his weariness, stating that, if it were up to him, he would not want to play anymore. Despite acknowledging that he has more to give to the sport, Kyrgios admitted to feeling disinterested in continuing his tennis career.
Having enjoyed a career-high year in 2022, reaching his first Grand Slam singles final at Wimbledon and achieving an 11th position in the world rankings, Kyrgios faced setbacks in 2023. Injuries forced him to withdraw from major tournaments, including the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon. The tennis player has undergone multiple surgeries, including one on his wrist, contributing to his drop in world rankings.
Expressing frustration with the recovery process, Kyrgios emphasized feeling exhausted after three surgeries. He highlighted the challenges of managing pain, especially when walking, and expressed a desire for a life beyond tennis, including starting a family.
While the Australian player acknowledges his potential for another one to two years in the sport, he made it clear that he intends to retire on his terms and aims for a peaceful exit, despite the expectations of those who want him to continue playing. Kyrgios also reflected on the impact of mental health issues in 2019, stating that the challenges during that period accelerated his exhaustion and influenced his perspective on his career.
In conclusion, Kyrgios candidly admitted, “I’m tired. I’m tired of playing tennis.”