'Very sad': Tennis world stunned by shock Nick Kyrgios announcement
Nick Kyrgios has stunned the tennis world with the sad admission that he doesn't know how much longer he will be playing.
The Aussie star failed to inspire Team World at the Laver Cup on Saturday, going down 6-3 6-4 to World No.3 Stefanos Tsitsipas in Boston.
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Speaking in a post-match interview, Kyrgios contemplated how long he will remain on the ATP tour after falling to his fifth-successive singles defeat.
Kyrgios said he was wrapping up his season after the Laver Cup and wanted to return home to be with his unwell mother.
"This is my probably my last Laver Cup," the 26-year-old said.
"I don't know how much longer I will be in tennis.
"This is my last event of the year. I will get my body right ahead of the Australian Open.
"My mum is not doing too well with her health. I'd like to go back and see her."
Not even a new haircut, with a speeding tennis ball pattern shaved into the back, could do much to help Kyrgios - who said that his career on the tour could soon be coming to an end.
"As long as I'm on the court, I will try and give my best," he said.
"But I'm not going to lie and say that I'm going to plan to play four or five more years on tour."
Fans were left saddened by the revelation that the end of Kyrgios' career could be near.
oh that would be very sad if Nick Kyrgios ends his career, he's a special guy , like his Game
— Colette (@cocopokar) September 25, 2021
Unfortunately the first person who is against @NickKyrgios is himself. Sad to admit but this is it. I hope he is thinking about definitely retiring in order to preserve the #dignity for himself at least. @steftsitsipas as fair as usual.#LaverCup2021 #kyrgios #tsitsipas #tennis
— Enrico Guerrini (@GuerriniEnrico) September 25, 2021
Does this mean retirement is really coming up for him?
— Doris (@DorisLaRubia) September 25, 2021
It’s such a shame b/c he could’ve been an amazing player with plenty of slams under his belt :(
— roger winerer 🎾🎾 (@failedcupcakes) September 25, 2021
Kyrgios said years ago that his plan was to retire before 30, and it appears that will likely be the case.
— Harold Halloweenie (@HaroldHalloween) September 25, 2021
Team Europe extend lead at Laver Cup
Tsitsipas, who came under scrutiny at the US Open for both the timing and length of his mid-match bathroom breaks that critics considered unfair gamesmanship, didn't leave the court on Saturday but did require a break to replace a worn out pair of shoes during his win.
This time, there could be no arguments as Tsitsipas was in control of the match and had a clear reason for the stoppage.
Early in the second set, he interrupted his own service game at 15-15 and took several minutes installing new laces before ultimately deciding to put on fresh shoes, given that the original pair did not stand up well to the indoor surface.
When play resumed, Tsitsipas used his serve to overwhelm Kyrgios and control the rallies before ultimately sealing the win with a solid forehand passing shot.
Alexander Zverev was pushed to three tie-breakers by American John Isner in the second match of the day session but ultimately prevailed.
Germany's Zverev winning 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (6-8) 10-5 to give Europe a 7-1 points lead.
The first team to reach 13 points wins the Laver Cup, with four matches scheduled per day.
Each victory is worth one point on Friday, two points on Saturday, and three on Sunday.
with AAP
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