“Every point, every match, feels heavier when pain is your constant companion,” said a worn-out Nick Kyrgios after his first singles match at the 2025 Australian Open. The statement carried the weight of more than a loss; it was about a struggle that has become all too familiar for Kyrgios. Despite his physical struggles though, there is a flicker of hope in Kyrgios’ attitude. Yet, the toll of the game is undeniable. Can Nick Kyrgios overcome this challenge and return to his best, or is this the beginning of another uncertain chapter in his career?

Kyrgios lost the 2025 Australian Open in the opening round to Britain’s Jacob Fearnley in straight sets. Though the Aussie player showed renewed zeal, he battled discomfort throughout the match. Clutching his abdomen during the final moments of the first set, Kyrgios lost by 7-6(3) and requested painkillers. Between sets, he told his supporters, “I’m here now,” but continued to struggle with his serve. Despite physio consultations at 1-4 and 2-5, the Aussie continued to fight for his supporters who cheered him through the match. He saved points in the third set but ultimately fell by 7-6(3), 6-3, 7-6(3). “Seeing fans wait hours to support me—it was hard to give up,” said Kyrgios.

In the post-match press conference, he reflected on his physical pain. “My re-surgery was 16 months ago. I’ve put in a lot of work… stayed motivated through all those days watching others play while I was in a cast. I’m in good shape, but all the niggles are tough,” he shared. Despite his determination, the physical discomfort has clouded his outlook for the season. Kyrgios then explained how his pain impacted his game: “It’s not enjoyable to go out there and not think tactically… When it gets to a point where you’re one of the bigger servers on tour and you’re getting out-served, that’s not tennis to me.” He stressed that without his serve, he’s “not a threat to many players.”

The Aussie player’s serve has long been his trademark, with coaches like Patrick Mouratoglou praising that as well. Mouratoglou’s list of top servers featured Kyrgios at number one position. At the 2025 Brisbane International, this ATP star hit 15 aces against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, calling it his career’s biggest serve “by far.”

During his match against Fearnley, Kyrgios still fired 13 aces, with a 69 percent win rate on his first serve. Not just that but Kyrgios, also made headlines when he defeated former world number one Rafael Nadal in the 2014 Wimbledon quarterfinals. In that match, the Aussie player dropped serve only once and led all players in aces at the British Slam, serving 113 aces in four matches. He did it with a stunning serve speed of 214 km/h. This remarkable performance left the fraternity in awe and solidified Kyrgios’ reputation as one of the most powerful servers in the game.

However, his performance against Fearnley in 2025 AO left him questioning his confidence. Despite his dissatisfaction, Kyrgios isn’t ready to give up on the season, though his return to Melbourne remains quite uncertain.

Nick Kyrgios will “play the Grand Slams”

Despite fitness issues, the ATP star doesn’t wanna call the curtains on his 2025 season. Instead, he is excited to be on tour and play major tournaments. Reflecting on that thought, Kyrgios said, “I’ll play the Grand Slams, I’ve got my protected ranking. Obviously Wimbledon is a big one for me. I still feel like obviously, if I don’t have an abdominal strain, I feel when I sustained that five days before a Grand Slam, it’s not ideal. Hopefully, if my body’s feeling good, I’ll be able to make some noise at Wimbledon.”

Kyrgios’ motivational statement fuelled his followers’ excitement. However, the ATP star doesn’t feel the same way for the Melbourne Major. “Realistically I can’t really see myself probably playing singles again here, It was special. Like taking that in, it was pretty good. I knew that I have doubles, so I kind of was taking everything in tonight in those moments. It was nuts. 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. Realistically I can’t see myself playing a singles match here again,” he said.

Kyrgios might have lost his first Grand Slam match after two years of absence but he still feels the reason behind this opportunity lies in his sheer talent and potential. “I didn’t think I was going to be back here anyway playing. I didn’t get a wild card. I’m here because I feel like I deserve to be here,” he said.

Although Nick Kyrgios lost in the singles in AO’s opening round, he still awaits his first doubles match with his colleague Thanasi Kokkinakis. Together they will play against fellow Australians Aleksandar Vukic and James Duckworth tomorrow. So, there is still one more chance for the fans to see the Aussie in action on the home turf. Are you excited to see his performance in the doubles?