Australian Open: Kyrgios savours likely singles send-off at Melbourne Park

Kyrgios saw his comeback ruined by Britain's Fearnley, who dealt the Australian fan favourite a 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 7-6 (7-2) first-round defeat at John Cain Arena.

It was only Kyrgios' second first-round loss from 10 such matches at the Australian Open, while Fearnley is the first British player other than Andy Murray to eliminate him from a grand slam.

The 2022 Wimbledon runner-up appeared to struggle with an abdominal issue early in the match, but he says he could not have retired in front of a raucous crowd.

Addressing the support he received, Kyrgios said: "Realistically, I can't really see myself probably playing singles again here, so it was special.

"Taking that in, it was pretty good. I know that I have doubles, but I was just taking everything in tonight in those moments. It was nuts.

"I didn't want to throw in the towel and walk off or retire. I was hurting physically but I respect my opponent. The fans waited hours to come and see me play."

In control from go to woah, Jacob Fearnley gets the better of Nick Kyrgios 7-6(3) 6-3 7-6(2)Onto the next one, Jacob!@wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis • #AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/N6OY3jSM1J

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 13, 2025

Kyrgios has only played three Tour-level singles matches since the start of the 2023 season.

He has been ravaged by injuries since reaching the Wimbledon final and the US Open quarter-finals in 2022.

"I was knocking on the door, playing some of the biggest events, winning some of the biggest events," Kyrgios reflected.

"I didn't think I was going to be back here and playing anyway. I didn't get a wildcard. I'm here because I feel like I deserve to be here.

"It's hard, when you're competing at the biggest tournaments in the world and you're struggling to win sets physically... it's pretty tough.

"But I've still got a long year ahead. I'm trusting the process that I will still be able to do some cool things this year at some stage."

Indeed, the 29-year-old is not planning to call it a day just yet.

"I have no regrets," he said. "My journey is not over, but I've had an amazing journey. My career's been amazing. I don't have any regrets.

"I think everything has been a learning curve for me. I continue to try and have fun, be real and enjoy the ride. It would be selfish for me to say that I want more. I've had a lot of success, more than most athletes would have."

Kyrgios' singles campaign may be over already, but he is slated to play doubles alongside Thanasi Kokkinakis on Wednesday, with the long-time friends facing fellow Australian pair Aleksandar Vukic and James Duckworth.

Despite struggling for fitness lately, Kyrgios plans to feature.

He said: "Me and Thanasi, I think we owe it to each other to go out there and play.