Nick Kyrgios says he will “probably” play his last singles match at the Australian Open after losing to Britain’s Jacob Fearnley in the first round in Melbourne.

2022 Wimbledon finalist Kyrgios suffered an abdominal strain as Fearnley won 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 7-6 (7-2) in two hours and 19 minutes on Monday.

Kyrgios, 29, who is recovering from chronic injuries to his wrist and hip, was cheered by a partisan crowd as he played in his first major since the 2022 U.S. Open.

“I actually couldn’t really see myself possibly playing singles here again, so this is special,” Kyrgios said. “Like accepting that, it’s great.

“I don’t want to throw in the towel, walk away or retire. My body hurts. I respect my opponents. Fans wait hours to come see me play.

“I actually can’t imagine myself playing singles here again.”

Kyrgios plans to play doubles at Australian Open

Despite the injury, Kyrgios said he still intends to play doubles with compatriot and friend Thanasi Kokkinakis, who overcame his own physical issues to win Monday’s first-round match.

“Yeah, me and Thanasi, I think we have an obligation to go out and compete,” said Kyrgios, who won the 2022 doubles title in Melbourne with Kokkinakis.

“Obviously, I know he was weak most of the time, but he somehow held on. Props to him for playing today.

“Yeah, but I think we’ll play doubles. I’ll play doubles.”

Kyrgios said 2025 could be his last year playing singles on tour but said he was still confident of “making some noise” at Wimbledon if he stays fit when grass-court action begins in late June “.

“One hundred percent, I will play the Grand Slams. My ranking is protected,” he said.

“Obviously, Wimbledon is important to me. Obviously, I still feel that if I didn’t have that abdominal strain, I feel like it’s not ideal when I go five days before a Grand Slam.

“Hopefully, if I feel good physically, I can shine at Wimbledon.”

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