Nick Kyrgios' return to the Australian Open will not last long, as he warns this could be his last singles match on home soil.
The 29-year-old lost in straight sets to Britain's Jacob Fearnley in the first round in Melbourne on Monday.
Kyrgios was then asked about moments in the third set where he displayed the showmanship that made him so interesting, including an underhand serve and a behind-the-back shot.
“Yeah, I mean, realistically, I can't really imagine playing singles here again, so… yeah, it was special,” Kyrgios said. From Tennis Letter.
“Once I took that in, it was pretty good. It was good, yes. Yeah, I mean, look, I knew I was double, so tonight was like I just accepted everything in that moment.” It felt like
“It was, yeah, it sucked. I didn't want to just throw in the towel and walk away or retire. It hurt physically. I respect my opponents. Because the fans come to watch me play. Yeah, I mean, realistically I can't imagine playing a singles match here again.''
Kyrgios has been plagued by a number of injuries and has been away from the court for 18 months ahead of this season.
He returned in December in Brisbane, but lost in the opening round to the big-serving Frenchman Giovanni Mpesi Pericard.
He then suffered an abdominal injury and showed visible discomfort during the match, making his appearance at the Australian Open doubtful.
“I was obviously extremely nervous before the game and didn't get much sleep,” Fearnley said on court. According to ESPN. “I feel bad for Nick, I could see he was going through something, but I think it was a great game and I really enjoyed playing with you all. It's the best match [I’ve played]”
Kyrgios is playing in a doubles draw with compatriot and close friend Thanasi Kokkinakis. He will face James Duckworth and Aleksandar Vukic.
Kyrgios and Kokkinakis won the doubles Grand Slam in Australia two years ago, one of the biggest achievements in Kyrgios' career full of potential and controversy.
Kyrgios worked as a broadcaster for ESPN while out injured, but will not be participating in the broadcast for this match.
