Tennis

Kyrgios considers early exit: ‘Once I’m gone, you’ll never see me again’

July 27, 2023 12:43 pm

Nick Kyrgios has hinted at an early retirement from tennis, intimating that he doesn’t have the longevity like Roger Federer or Novak Djokovic. He also set a deadline when he hangs up his boots, stating he only has five more seasons in the sport.

Whilst Kyrgios has yet to announce when he will return to professional competition following his injury recovery, he has hinted at his future plans for retirement.

Kyrgios says he’s ‘getting old’

The 2022 Wimbledon finalist admitted to trying to limit his time on the court after missing most of the 2023 season due to injury. This has meant that Kyrgios was unable to take part in any of the Grand Slams earlier this year, having withdrawn from the Australian Open just before the event.

Whilst Kyrgios is yet to announce when he will return to the court after recovering from a wrist injury, the world No. 35 has hinted that his time as a professional tennis player may be drawing to a close sooner rather than later.

Speaking at the UTS Tour in Los Angeles, Kyrgios said that with the extensive tournament schedule, he was feeling his age, referring to himself as a 57-year-old. He added that he wouldn’t be playing into his thirties and that if he did go, it would be a permanent decision. Kyrgios also quipped about how his lifestyle away from the court made him feel much older

“The schedule is out of control, bro!! I’m getting old. 28. But with all the drinking and partying I’m 57,” he said, before adding that “33 is insane. I’m not playing till I’m 33. Once I’m gone, you’ll never see me again.”

Hopes to coach in the future

While tennis legend Jimmy Connors has backed 23-time Grand Slam winner, Djokovic, to contine until he drops dead, Kyrgios’ comments suggest that we may see him hanging up his racket earlier than most professional athletes.

At 33 years of age, the idea of a tennis retirement doesn’t around to many fans these days, with many of the top players playing on into their late thirties. Djokovic is still just 36 and Federer managed to hang up his racquet at an impressively late 41.

The Australian ace has already started to think about his life after tennis, and coaching might be the way forward. Kyrgios is currently helping out his friend and world number 10, Frances Tiafoe, at the UTS Tour. The American arrived with longtime coach Wayne Ferreira, who was not able to travel and Kyrgios stepped in for him.

“I think I might just coach. Coach Foe (Frances Tiafoe) full-time. That would be sick!”

It looks like Kyrgios’ foray into coaching is coming at the perfect time and he could be an influential figure in the game for years to come. He will have to take his words back on not being seen again.

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