In a raw and emotional interview with French tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou, Nick Kyrgios, the polarizing Australian tennis star, opened up about the twilight of his professional career. At 30, the former World No. 13, known for his electrifying talent and fiery personality, admitted that his body can no longer withstand the grueling demands of the sport. His poignant question, “What chance do I have against Jannik Sinner?” encapsulated the physical and mental toll of his journey, as he grapples with the reality of his impending retirement.
Kyrgios’s 2025 season began with a flicker of hope at the Brisbane International, where he competed as a wildcard in both singles and doubles. Partnering with Novak Djokovic in doubles, he showed glimpses of his signature flair, but a three-set loss to Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in singles highlighted the challenges of his comeback. After undergoing wrist reconstruction surgery in September 2023, Kyrgios returned to the court in November 2024, only to face persistent physical setbacks. His latest outing at the Mubadala Citi DC Open saw him team up with Gael Monfils in doubles, but they fell in the round of 16, underscoring the difficulty of recapturing his peak form.
“I don’t think there’s much tennis left,” Kyrgios confessed during the interview, his voice heavy with resignation. “My body can’t take too much of it. I’ll just play UTS for the rest of my life… Play this year, then I’m gonna see what I do next year. But I can’t play for much longer.” The physical grind—daily training, travel, and recovery—has become unbearable, particularly after his wrist injury. “Right now, I can’t train for two months,” he explained. “When you start training and you get injured, that’s when it’s like it’s not fun anymore.” His words painted a vivid picture of an athlete caught between his love for the game and a body that can no longer keep up.
Kyrgios’s frustration was palpable when discussing the evolution of modern tennis. Once known for his booming serve and aggressive play, he lamented the shift toward longer rallies and slower courts, which favor players like World No. 1 Jannik Sinner. “There’s so many rallies now. Like even the big guys have to rally. And what chance do I have rallying against Sinner? Zero. Or maybe like 10%,” he said, acknowledging the dominance of players like Sinner, who combine relentless consistency with explosive power. This admission was not just about tactics but a reflection of Kyrgios’s self-awareness—an acknowledgment that his style, once a weapon against the best, now struggles against the sport’s new guard.
Despite his physical struggles, Kyrgios’s passion for tennis remains undeniable. His 2022 Wimbledon final run, where he fell to Novak Djokovic, was a career highlight, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level when healthy. Yet, injuries have overshadowed his potential, limiting him to seven ATP singles titles and a career plagued by what-ifs. His recent comments reveal a man wrestling with his legacy, torn between the thrill of competition and the pain of persistence. “The training and the travel, that’s the toughest,” he noted, highlighting the unseen battles that define an athlete’s life.
Kyrgios’s outspoken nature has also kept him in the spotlight, particularly his criticism of Sinner’s three-month doping ban in 2025 following positive tests for clostebol. While Kyrgios has called it a “sad day for tennis,” his focus in the interview shifted inward, reflecting on his own journey rather than external controversies. His candidness about his physical and mental struggles resonates with fans, who have long admired his raw authenticity, even if it’s come with controversy.
As Kyrgios contemplates his final matches, potentially at the 2025 US Open, the tennis world braces for the end of an era. His charisma, unpredictable flair, and unfiltered voice have made him a fan favorite, but also a lightning rod for criticism. Whether he’s remembered for his untapped potential or his ability to captivate audiences, Kyrgios’s farewell is a reminder of the human cost of elite sport. “It’s hard,” he admitted, “but I’m happy to play through a bit of discomfort.” For now, he’s savoring the moments he has left, leaving fans to wonder what might have been.
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