Nick Kyrgios says he is “exhausted” and no longer wants to play tennis

Nick Kyrgios says he no longer wants to play tennis as doubts grow over the former Wimbledon finalist’s ability to come back from serious knee and wrist injuries.

Kyrgios maintains he will make a comeback and retire on his terms, even though he only played one match in 14 months and was removed from the world rankings.

But the 28-year-old also admits he is “exhausted” from the tour and that, in an ideal world, his career would be over.

“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 almost have to (keep playing). I have so much more to give but, for me, I don’t want to play anymore.

“I’m exhausted, I’m tired. I’ve had three surgeries now that… I’m only 28, I always wanted to have a family and not be in pain. When I get up, I can’t walk without pain.

Kyrgios also told the British podcaster that if he had started his time over again, he would never have picked up a racket for the first time.

Last week, mercurial talent has made the “heartbreaking” but almost inevitable decision to officially withdraw from next month’s Australian Open after losing to Chinese world number 64 Yibling Wu in straight sets in his only competitive match of 2023, which took place in Stuttgart in June.

The former world number 13 will instead take to commentary at Melbourne Park, but insists he will return, however reluctantly, to the field in 2024 with a protected ranking of number 21.

“I just want to play one or two more years, be at the top and go down (on) my own terms,” Kyrgios said.

“I would hate to have another surgery or something like that. So I think I still have the ability to go for a good year or two and then that’s it.

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“I think I’ll be at peace with everything I’ve accomplished. I’m going to have to tell everyone who wants me to play more, ‘You’re just going to have to accept that I’m not playing anymore.'”

After undergoing knee surgery in January, Kyrgios went under the knife again in October after tearing ligaments in his right wrist.

Former US Open finalist Juan Martin del Potro initially made a successful comeback from a similar injury, but has not played since February last year.

Australian tennis great John Newcombe is not completely writing off Kyrgios’ comeback, but acknowledges the difficult road ahead for the Canberran.

“I don’t know much about the injury, but it seems to be hanging around there, and it’s going to be difficult to come back from because he’s getting older every year, and he’s been out for quite a while now,” Newcombe told AAP.

“So it’s tough to come back strong, but if he can get the wrist right, he’ll have a big game and he can win a lot of easy points.”

PAA