“I don’t want to think about retirement but at the same time I understand that it is coming to an end,” said Nick Kyrgios earlier this year ahead of his comeback. After almost two years, due to persistent injuries, the former World No.13 will be seen in action in next month’s Australian Open. His anticipated return, however, is already met with a sad update from the 2022 Wimbledon finalist. Seems like he might call it a day, sooner rather than later!

In an episode of the Nothing Major podcast, dated December 14, Nick revealed a lot about his career and life. Coming back from a tough phase marred by multiple injuries on his body wasn’t easy. “Every time I play tennis now, I got to do an hour and a half treatment after like my wrist. I lose feeling in my fingers sometimes. It’s tingling. So I’m definitely on the back end,” he said. Moreover, he revealed that he’s really not looking to continue playing after 2026. “I couldn’t see myself playing for another, max a year and a half, probably. Like with my body, honestly, with my wrist at the moment,” he said while expressing his struggles despite treatment.

For the unversed, Nick had sustained a knee injury last year, just ahead of his Australian Open campaign. There was a tear in his left meniscus and a cyst due to which he had to withdraw from the major. “It’s my home tournament. I’ve had some great memories here – obviously last year winning the title in doubles and playing the best tennis of my life, probably. Then going into this event as one of the favorites, it’s brutal,” said a devastated Kyrgios, as reported by the Guardian in January 2023.

A few months later, he also pulled out of the French Open. If the knee injury wasn’t enough, there appeared a torn ligament in his wrist. It occurred during practice sessions ahead of the Wimbledon. It forced him to withdraw from this event as well ultimately. As a result, he had no option but to take an extended break from tennis.

“Like it feels good, but I wouldn’t want to force it more than that. So I just want to go out and have like just have a bit of fun and hopefully have some good. If I have some great results, that’s a bonus,” he said. “So I realize now that it is coming to an end and I enjoy it. It’s been a hell of a ride, but there’s still a little bit. I want to be super controversial and I want to have some fun and I want to play some good tennis, like all three at once. Just one last time,” he concluded.

Now that he’s expressed his honest thoughts on his career trajectory, Kyrgios will look to make the most of his time on court. Not to mention he would like to accomplish his inner desire to be a Grand Slam champion.

Nick Kyrgios eyes to win his first-ever Grand Slam

During an interaction with News Corp’s Code Sports, Kyrgios mentioned his goal to claim at least one Major trophy. Although he’s won the 2022 Australian Open, it was in the doubles category while playing with compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis. In singles, he’s yet to win a Grand Slam title. “I have beaten pretty much every person that has been put in front of me, made a final of a Grand Slam, won a doubles title in a Grand Slam, won multiple titles and made money,” he said.

“But I think the one thing that is now on my target is a Grand Slam. I think that will be the only thing that will shut people up at the end of the day. That’ll be my deep motivation,” he added. With the first Major of 2025, he will try to get the best possible result. When he last played at the event, in 2022, he couldn’t move past the second round. Daniil Medvedev defeated him 7-6, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2.

Will he make an impact this time? Only time will tell the answer. Before the Australian Open, he will appear in the Brisbane International later this month. It will give him a good opportunity to test his overall fitness and stroke-making skills. What are your thoughts on Nick Kyrgios’ update on his expected retirement? Do you think he can continue for a longer period? Let us know in the comments below.