Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios expressed his weariness with the sport, stating that he doesn’t want to play tennis anymore. The 28-year-old, who has been grappling with wrist, knee, and foot injuries, missed all four Grand Slam tournaments in 2023 and recently announced his withdrawal from the upcoming Australian Open due to ongoing concerns about his fitness.

Speaking on the On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast, Kyrgios conveyed his fatigue and reluctance to continue playing tennis. Despite acknowledging that he has more to give to the sport, he expressed a desire to step away from it. Kyrgios, who had a standout year in 2022, reaching his first Grand Slam singles final at Wimbledon, has faced a series of setbacks due to injuries, leading to multiple surgeries.

Having undergone surgery for a knee injury, he missed the Australian Open in 2023, followed by absences from the French Open and Wimbledon due to foot and wrist issues, respectively. The Australian, who dropped out of the world rankings, emphasized the toll the recovery process has taken on him, describing it as an “exhausting” journey.

“I’m tired. I have had three surgeries now. I’m only 28 years old. I have always wanted to have a family and not be in pain. When I get up, I can’t walk without pain. It’s a tough gig,” Kyrgios revealed.

Despite acknowledging that he has more to offer in tennis, Kyrgios disclosed his intention to play for only another one to two years. He expressed a desire to be at the top for that period and then step away from the sport on his own terms, highlighting the importance of finding peace with his achievements.

Reflecting on his turbulent period in 2019, when he battled mental health issues and contemplated suicide, Kyrgios noted that it accelerated his exhaustion and impacted his career. The Australian player expressed his readiness to find peace with what he has achieved and suggested that fans may need to accept his decision to step away from tennis.

Leon Osamor