Nick Kyrgios makes brutal admission after ‘heartbreaking’ Indian Wells exit

Nick Kyrgios' Indian Wells campaign ended after he gave a walkover to Botic Van de Zandschulp in the first round.

Nick Kyrgios makes brutal admission after ‘heartbreaking’ Indian Wells exit

Nick Kyrgios (Image via ATP/X)

Nick Kyrgios thought he would figure out a way to play better in Indian Wells, but the opposite of it happened. On Thursday (March 6), Kyrgios was up against a player who has made a name for himself as a giant killer.

It was qualifier Botic Van de Zandschulp who Kyrgios faced in the first round. The two-time Indian Wells quarterfinalist was on the cusp of winning the first set, which was pushed into a tie-breaker. Kyrgios lost it and surprisingly, he decided to call off the match after losing three games in the second set.

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The unfortunate wrist injury flare-up reduced Kyrgios to tears as he was seen sitting on the chair, with his head bowed down on his hands, covering his face and wiping his tears away. Kyrgios didn’t expect this to happen, but he knew that he wouldn’t be able to give his all after experiencing pain during his practice session.

Yeah, it’s brutal, especially because I was having such a good year. I think that’s what is painful for me. And I think, you know, the coach I’m here with this week, my physio, I keep talking about that year, and it’s, like, you can’t expect that anymore. That’s I think for me, what’s a bit heartbreaking just because I thought I’d figured it out.

Nick Kyrgios said at the press conference

Indian Wells was Kyrgios’ first tournament since his Australian Open first-round exit this year. Kyrgios would have set up a blockbuster second-round clash with five-time Indian Wells champion Novak Djokovic had he defeated the Dutchman.

Nick Kyrgios unsure about Miami Open participation

Nick Kyrgios‘ appearance in the second tournament of the Sunshine Doubles hangs in the balance. The second ATP 1000 Masters tournament of the season is scheduled to start on March 18, and Kyrgios’ participation will depend on the condition of his wrist.

Nick Kyrgios
Nick Kyrgios (Image via ATP/X)

The time frame is not ideal, but I was scheduled to play so I will see how my wrist responds. If not Miami, I will keep looking forward. I can’t keep looking back and being disappointed. Otherwise, I don’t know how much enjoyment I will have in that.

Nick Kyrgios said at the press conference

The 2022 Wimbledon finalist made his much-awaited comeback post-surgery at this year’s Brisbane International. He was knocked out of the first round by Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in singles; while in doubles, he and Novak Djokovic made it to the second round.

After Brisbane, Kyrgios arrived in Melbourne for the season’s first Major event. But the result was no different, as he was eliminated in the first round by Jacob Fearnley. In doubles, Kyrgios and compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis gave a walkover to Aleksandar Vukic and James Duckworth.