Tennis star Nick Kyrgios has said he may retire from the sport if he were to win a major singles title after struggling with the amount of time he's forced to spend away from family and friends.
It's not the first time Kyrgios has opened up about his struggles being away from home from months on end. The 27-year-old found it particularly hard to be separated from family this past summer when his mother, Norlaila —who has terminal cancer—was hospitalised.
Kyrgios enjoyed a breakout year in 2022 despite those hardships, winning the Australian Open doubles crown before making his Grand Slam singles final debut at Wimbledon. But the life of an elite player has taken its toll on the controversial talent, so much so that he'd consider hanging up his racquet if he were to win one of the big four.
“No other tennis player that’s not from Australia gets that,” he told Eurosport. “It’s easy for a European or an American player to lose or win a tournament, then you take a five-hour flight back home and you spend a week there before the next event.
"Whereas as an Australian, you’re doing like four to seven months travel blocks. Honestly, I don’t think it’s healthy. No other real athlete does that in the world, in any sport. Doing seven months on your own.
“People are like, why are you complaining about it or whatnot? It’s not what they think. You’re living out of a suitcase, at hotels, it’s not like you’re on holiday. You’ve got to go to tennis courts, train; the lifestyle is quite vigorous. If it probably happens [winning a Slam], I probably would [retire] to be honest.”
Do you think Nick Kyrgios will win his maiden major title in 2023? Let us know in the comments section.
The Canberra native went a set up on Novak Djokovic in the SW19 decider but eventually succumbed to the former world No. 1 in the final of the grass Grand Slam. The next generation is beginning to have a greater say in how today's majors are decided, however, strengthening the title bids of players like Kyrgios.
“I’m exhausted honestly," added Kyrgios in a heartfelt interview with Eurosport. "Just stressful. The more you win, the more success you have, the more demands you have off the court. People expect more from you. It’s been a stressful year that’s for sure. I probably handled things a lot better. A lot of stress, but it’s been fun as well.”
Having collected the doubles gong alongside compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis in last year's tournament, hopes are high that Kyrgios can excel in the singles format as he returns to Melbourne. Fans may be saddened at the prospect of such a charismatic figure retiring from the sport before his time, though heartened by the thought of Kyrgios bowing out on a high to do what's best for him and his family.
