Nick Kyrgios reveals ‘time in tennis may be over’ in huge retirement hint and slams ‘disgraceful’ Aussie Olympics chiefs

NICK KYRGIOS has admitted that his tennis career may be over.

The Australian, 28, has battled numerous injury issues during the last 12 months.

EPA

Nick Kyrgios has been working as an analyst at the Australian Open[/caption]

EPA

Kyrgios, 28, played one match in 2023[/caption]

In fact, exhibitions aside, he has only been able to play one match since October 2022.

Currently working as an analyst on coverage of the Australian Open, Kyrgios wrote in a Sydney Morning Herald column: “The reality is, there is a part of me that knows my time in the sport may be over.

“And I’m okay with that.”

The former Wimbledon finalist has largely impressed while working as an analyst for Discovery Plus in Melbourne, having also performed punditry duties for Tennis Channel during last year’s ATP Finals.

He is set to launch his own podcast, entitled “Good Trouble with Nick Kyrgios” as he begins to look beyond his tennis career.

While the big-server is planning for after hanging up his racquet, he still hopes to make a successful return to the court.

He added: “I don’t know when I will be back. I’m hoping I can recover from the wrist injury that required surgery last year in time for Wimbledon and the US Open, but that’s no guarantee.

“My body may never be the same again and injuries can take you down a different path than you imagined.”

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Kyrgios later appeared to rubbish his own column, by writing on Instagram: “I have woken up today and realised about some articles going around and saying that I am retired and that I’m not going to play anymore.

“I just want to just clear it up, it’s absolute nonsense.

“Yes, the last year has been tough with injury, my knee, my wrist, but I’m hungry as ever, constantly rehabbing, in the gym.

“Part of the reason why I am commentating and doing all these things around AO is to still feel that fire and still be a part of it.

“So I still wanted to let everyone know, all my fans I’m coming back, stay tuned, but there’s plenty left in the tank. Don’t stress.”

Kyrgios still hopes to make an impact on the court, but it won’t be while wearing the green and gold of his country.

Blasting Aussie chiefs, he said: “One thing I will guarantee, though, is that if I am fit and ready to play, I won’t be making myself available for the Olympics.

“The way I was treated by the Australian Olympic Committee and former chef de mission Kitty Chiller will never be forgotten.

“To ban me from playing at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games was a disgrace. I was No.13 at the time and had a genuine chance at winning a medal.

“For them to forbid me from representing my country for behavioural reasons is something that I just can’t forget.

“I won’t be putting my hand up to play in Paris this year. Eight years ago, I was desperate to represent Australia at an Olympic Games, but my mentality has changed.

“I wanted to play for my country, I can’t say that I still have that desire. And let’s be honest, I haven’t exactly felt like Australia has wanted me to represent it either. I’ve said before, I often feel more at home away from home.”

Kyrgios’ only match of 2023 came in Stuttgart, when he lost to Wu Yibing 7-5, 6-3 on grass.

This year’s Paris Olympics tennis event will be played at Roland Garros, where Kyrgios hasn’t played since 2016.

The former world No.13 has previously dubbed the French Open the “worst grand slam”, but had pledged to return last year before injuries KO’d his plan.

Reuters

Kyrgios has not played at Roland Garros for eight years[/caption]