Nick Kyrgios reveals why he got ’emotional’ after mid-match retirement in Indian Wells first round

Nick Kyrgios couldn't complete his Indian Wells first-round match against Botic Van de Zandschulp after experiencing a sharp pain in his wrist.

Nick Kyrgios reveals why he got ’emotional’ after mid-match retirement in Indian Wells first round

Nick Kyrgios (Image via ATP/X)

Nick Kyrgios broke down in tears after mid-match retirement at the Indian Wells Open. The Aussie gave a walkover to Botic Van de Zandschulp after playing three games of the second set.

The pain in his right wrist doesn’t seem to die down and has been affecting his matches since he made his comeback at this year’s Brisbane International after 18 months. It affected the former World No. 13 during his first-round match in Brisbane and in the Australian Open, and at Indian Wells too it was no different.

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The only difference was that the Aussie failed to complete the match in the California desert. Zandschulp, with a 7-6(7), 3-0 win, has now set up a second-round clash with five-time Indian Wells champion Novak Djokovic. Following the heartbreaking defeat, Kyrgios reflected on why he got emotional.

I know it’s going to be uncomfortable, but I don’t want to feel the pain I was feeling. I’m okay to lose a match. I’ve lost matches in my career many times. I guess it’s just the amount of work I put in and I’m still having so much discomfort in my wrist. That’s I guess why I got a bit emotional towards the end because it’s one of my favorite tournaments.

Nick Kyrgios said at the press conference

Nick Kyrgios wasn’t confident going into Indian Wells

Following his Australian Open exit, Nick Kyrgios was unsure about which tournament he would play next. But the 2022 Wimbledon finalist decided to feature in Indian Wells as the ATP 1000 Masters event is one of his favorite tournaments.

Nick Kyrgios (2)
Nick Kyrgios (Image via Tennis X)

Before his opening round match, the two-time Indian Wells quarterfinalist was practicing with Sho Shimabukuro, but he stopped playing because of the wrist injury flare-up. He was doubtful for Indian Wells but he said he did everything to be ready to start his Sunshine Doubles campaign.

After the Australian Open, all I did was rehab, train, and then try and get ready for this tournament. I was two days out of the tournament here and I was having a great training session, and literally the second-to-last point in my training session I hit a forehand, I felt a sharp pain, and I had to stop playing.

Nick Kyrgios said at the press conference

The 29-year-old underwent wrist surgery in September 2023 and had played just one match the same year. Apart from the three singles this season, he has also played two doubles matches in Brisbane and Melbourne.