Nick Kyrgios‘s Australian Open journey this year is nothing short of disheartening. The Australian star’s hope for a triumphant comeback to Melbourne Park crumbled when he was defeated by 23-year-old Brit Jacob Fearnley in the first round by straight sets. As if this wasn’t enough, Kyrgios and his doubles partner, Thanasi Kokkinakis, who were men’s doubles champions at AO in 2022 also, retired mid-match while trailing 7-5, 3-2 to James Duckworth and Aleksandar Vukic. Speculation is rife: was this Kyrgios’s final Australian Open? His recent tribute to an Australian legend suggests a possible retirement.

Kyrgios’s participation in this year’s Australian Open came after his highly anticipated comeback announcement in mid-October, ending an 18-month absence from the court. The Australian tennis star, plagued by a series of injuries including knee, foot, and wrist issues, had been sidelined for most of 2023 and 2024. Despite lingering doubts about his return, he surprised fans by announcing his comeback, driven by a strong desire to compete at Melbourne Park.

Nick Kyrgios’s flair and candidness has mostly defined his career, and he did little to quell speculation about his future. Kyrgios, who was showing struggling signs with an abdominal injury, said post his singles match, “Realistically, I can’t really see myself probably playing singles again here, so it was special. I didn’t want to just throw in the towel and walk off or retire. I was hurting physically. I respect my opponent. The fans waited hours to come see me play.“, referring to his singles career at Melbourne Park. His fitness was already under scrutiny since he was making his first appearance in the Australian Open since 2022, but the loss to Fearnley seemed to confirm it.

The heartbreak continued during his doubles match alongside Kokkinakis. Kyrgios posted a story on his Instagram hinting at a possible retirement from the Australian Open. The story has the photo of Kyrgios and Kokkinakis shaking hands and captions, “Was possibly my last time out there tonight 🙏🏾😕 thank you Kokki.”

In another heartfelt story, he thanked Kokkinakis and reflected on their journey, saying, “My brother that was special @the-kokk1 we really did everything in our power to even take the court—the crowd and the energy is unmatched 🇬🇷✅😪❤️ I can’t believe I was here AGAIN after my surgery. Wish you nothing but more health, Kokki.” The story left us wondering if the dynamic duo, affectionately called the “Special Ks,” will ever share a court at the AO.

Both Kyrgios and Kokkinakis are suffering injury woes. Kokkinakis was also battling with a pectoral strain that limited his ability to serve or hit high forehands. Despite medical advice to sit the match out, Kokkinakis decided to compete. “I wanted to come out here. I know there was a lot of talk about us playing again. I wanted to see if I was somewhat competitive, even without a serve,” Kokkinakis shared post-match.

With Kyrgios’s subtle hints and the duo’s injury struggles, the possibility of them stepping onto the AO state together seems uncertain. But, there are huge chances that both of them can team up once again in the upcoming Davis Cup.

Nick Kyrgios gets a surprise call for the Davis Cup

Despite all the setbacks, Kyrgios was named into Australia’s Davis Cup squad for their clash in Stockholm on January 31st and February 1. Captain Lleyton Hewitt included Kyrgios in the lineup featuring Alex De Minaur, Jordan Thompson and Kokkinakis. While his fitness remains a concern, this call-up provides a chance for Kyrgios to prove himself on the international stage once again.

Kyrigos last played in the Davis Cup in November 2019. His name along with Kokkinakis raises the possibility of being in a doubles partnership again. However, both their fitness and Kyrgios’ hints of retirement cast doubt on whether they will be playing in the Davis Cup or not. However, it’s not the first time Kyrgios has hinted at stepping away from tennis.

In December 2020, he suggested a potential switch to gaming, saying in a PlayStation 5 ad, “When I reach 10 years at the professional level, I think I will try to make the switch and become a gamer.”

Then in December 2023, on Jay Shetty’s On Purpose podcast, he shared, If it was up to me, I don’t really want to play any more to be honest. I have to almost [keep playing]. I’ve got so much more to give, but I don’t feel like playing anymore. “I’m exhausted, I’m tired, I have had three surgeries now that…I’m only 28 years old, I 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’ performances and injury battles at the Australian Open, coupled with a surprise Davis Cup selection, paint a picture of a player at a crossroads. Whether it is the end of Kyrgios’ storied run remains to be known.