Nick Kyrgios showed he still has some gas left in the tank as a singles competitor, but admits he’s shattered that he isn’t quite ready for five-set competition just yet.
The 30-year-old Aussie defeated China’s Zhang Zhizhen in a super tiebreak 6-3, 4-6, 11-9 at Melbourne’s Kooyong Classic event on Tuesday.
Kyrgios was his usual fired-up self, chirping with the crowd, dapping up fans mid-match and entertaining all in attendance.
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Despite the win, he will not compete in the singles draw of the Australian Open after declining a wildcard spot.
He feels he is not quite ready for the rigours of five-set tennis, given he has barely played for two years, battling injuries.
Instead, he will focus on the doubles and potentially mixed doubles at the grand slam.
Nick Kyrgios having fun with the crowd at Melbourne’s Kooyong Classic. Getty
Those wildcard slots were given to Aussie pair Jordan Thompson and Chris O’Connell, as well as former Australian Open champion, 40-year-old Stan Wawrinka.
Speaking after his win on Tuesday, Kyrgios was happy for the trio and feels he made the right call to skip playing singles.
“Someone like Stan, who’s played three or four competitive matches in the United Cup, all at a super high level, there’s absolutely no doubt in my mind that he deserves it,” Kyrgios told SBS.
“And it just wouldn’t be fair of me to have so many doubts physically to go out there and play some of the best players in the world in the best-of-five and not even be sure that I could back up one round.”
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His frustration was palpable, coming straight off a win over a former top 35 ranked player, knowing he likely doesn’t have it in him to perform at that level across an entire tournament.
“In some sense it’s amazing and in the other sense it’s a bit heartbreaking because I know that I’m not really able to go out there and do what I used to do,” Kyrgios said.
“It’s amazing to have all of these young kids and fans coming out here and I guess it’s still a big part of why I still come out here and trying to put on a show.
“I’m trying to be a good role model and show that someone like me is able to still have fun, no matter what you look like, or where you come from.
“The atmosphere out here was nuts and if I didn’t have this I don’t know what else I’d do.
“I’ve got a lot of other things going on off the court but there’s no feeling like this.”
Nick Kyrgios of Australia at Melbourne’s Kooyong Classic. Getty
He will miss the Australian Open singles draw, but admits he is also unlikely to play at Roland-Garros, given the clay courts. He hasn’t played at the tournament since 2017.
Instead, he has his eyes set on building himself up for a tilt at Wimbledon later in the year.
“Honestly, my whole goal was just to get through all of last month and the Aussie summer, and re-evaluate where my body is,” Kyrgios said.
“If I’m still able to produce a bit of a level like [Kooyong], I think Wimbledon is a bit easier physically.
“If I’m able to put a couple of good months together, training-wise, we’ll see. But as of right now, I’ve got that 1 Point Slam tomorrow that I’m going to try and lock in for.”
Kyrgios made the Wimbledon final in 2022 in what will likely be the apex of his singles career.