Nick Kyrgios’ emotional swansong at the Australian Open is under threat as both he and his doubles partner, Thanasi Kokkinakis, face significant fitness concerns ahead of their highly anticipated opening match. With injuries casting doubt on their participation, fans may be robbed of one final glimpse of Kyrgios at his beloved Melbourne Park.
A Painful Singles Exit
Returning to the court after 18 months sidelined by wrist surgery, Kyrgios, 29, suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the singles draw, falling 7-6 (3), 6-3, 7-6 (2) to Britain’s Jacob Fearnley. The loss, coupled with the physical toll, prompted Kyrgios to hint at retirement from singles play in his home Slam.
“It could be my last singles match at the Australian Open,” Kyrgios confessed after the match, leaving fans and pundits speculating about the future of one of tennis’ most polarizing figures.
Doubles in Doubt
All eyes are now on Kyrgios and his doubles partner, Thanasi Kokkinakis, who thrilled crowds with their 2022 Australian Open doubles triumph. However, Kokkinakis has raised serious doubts about their ability to compete in their upcoming clash against fellow Aussies James Duckworth and Alexander Vukic.
“I won’t be able to lift my arm tomorrow, so we’ll see,” Kokkinakis admitted after his grueling five-set singles loss to Britain’s Jack Draper. “Unless we’re both playing with underarm serves, it’s looking pretty unlikely.”
Kokkinakis, 28, revealed that a persistent pectoral injury has severely impacted his career, leaving him unable to handle the rigors of back-to-back matches. “There’s a tear, for sure,” he shared. “I’ve tried everything—manual therapy, training, everything short of surgery—but it’s the reason I can’t back up big matches. It’s very deflating.”
Fans Brace for Disappointment
The uncertainty surrounding the Kyrgios-Kokkinakis duo has cast a shadow over what was expected to be a nostalgic highlight of the tournament. Their electrifying chemistry and the emotional significance of playing on the John Cain Arena, where they captured their 2022 title, have made their potential withdrawal all the more heartbreaking for fans.
For Kyrgios, this doubles match represents not just another shot at glory but perhaps a final chapter in his storied Australian Open career. However, Kokkinakis’ candid admission of his physical limitations has left the door open to what many hope will not be an anticlimactic end to their journey.
A Career of Highs and Lows
For both Kyrgios and Kokkinakis, injuries have been a recurring theme in otherwise promising careers. Kokkinakis, who has long struggled with his pectoral issue, described the frustration of being held back: “It’s the one thing stopping me from reaching my goals.”
Kyrgios, meanwhile, has always captivated and divided audiences with his raw talent and fiery personality. His possible farewell at Melbourne Park, under such uncertain circumstances, underscores the bittersweet nature of his career.
Will This Be the End?
As Kyrgios and Kokkinakis await a final decision on their fitness, tennis fans across Australia are holding their breath. Whether this match becomes a heroic swansong or a heartbreaking “what could have been,” one thing is certain: Kyrgios’ story at the Australian Open, like his career, is anything but ordinary.
