Nick Kyrgios’ long-awaited return to Melbourne Park ended in disappointment as the Australian star fell in the first round of the 2025 Australian Open to Britain’s Jacob Fearnley in straight sets, 7-6, 6-3, 7-6. More concerning than the defeat itself was Kyrgios’ post-match revelation—he is uncertain if he will ever compete in singles at his home Grand Slam again.
After battling persistent injuries over the past two years, Kyrgios’ latest setback—a troublesome abdominal issue—left him struggling to find his best tennis on John Cain Arena, the court where he has created so many electrifying moments. Despite the pain, he fought through over two hours and 19 minutes of action, refusing to retire and instead giving the Melbourne crowd one last show.
A Tough Return After 800 Days
Kyrgios has barely played competitive tennis over the past two seasons, managing just one match in 2023 and one in 2024 due to injuries and surgeries. He worked tirelessly to prepare for a 2025 comeback, entering the Brisbane International and the Australian Open, only to suffer another setback. His abdominal strain prevented him from serving at full power, robbing him of his biggest weapon.
Despite these challenges, Kyrgios showed glimpses of his trademark shot-making and competitive spirit, particularly in the third set, where he had a set point to extend the match. However, Fearnley proved the steadier player in the crucial moments, securing the biggest win of his career and his first Grand Slam victory.
Kyrgios’ Physical Struggles and Emotional Reflections
Following the match, Kyrgios gave a heartfelt interview, revealing that his physical struggles have taken a serious toll on his passion for the sport.
“Realistically, I can not see myself playing a singles match at the Australian Open again,” Kyrgios admitted. “I tried because of the fans. That’s why I walked out without headphones—I wanted to hear the crowd and enjoy those special moments.”
“Instead of enjoying and thinking about strokes and tactics, I have to manage my body. It hurts me too much, and it’s not tennis I like to play. I served below 200 km/h tonight, and I’m not a threat without my initial shot,” he explained.
Despite his frustration, Kyrgios showed immense respect for the Melbourne crowd, emphasizing that their support was the reason he pushed through the match instead of retiring.
“The crowd stood behind me tonight, and that’s the reason I did not retire after the opening set. I wanted to give them two and a half hours of tennis, not a retirement,” he added.
A Possible Farewell to Melbourne?
While Kyrgios stopped short of officially announcing his retirement, his words strongly hinted that his time on the singles court at the Australian Open may be over.
However, he did leave the door open for other opportunities in 2025, stating, “The year has just started, and I hope to do some cool things in the remaining months.”
Whether that means a farewell tour, a focus on doubles, or an eventual decision to step away from the sport entirely remains to be seen. For now, tennis fans can only appreciate the effort Kyrgios gave in his return, knowing that this might have been the last time they see him in singles action at Melbourne Park.
