Indian Wells: Nick Kyrgios retires injured from first-round match against Botic van de Zandschulp
A tearful Nick Kyrgios was forced to retire from his first round of Indian Wells, with a wrist injury, and his tennis return suffered another setback.
The Australian has played his first game since the Australian Open in January, trailing Brotic Van de Zandschulp 3-0 7-6 (9-7) before finishing the game early.
Kyrgios, who was obviously upset when talking to his coach about his right wrist, had surgery in September 2023.
The 29-year-old was also struggling with knee and foot injuries for 18 months before returning early in the year.
“No one in this sport can rebuild his wrist and try to play after that,” Kyrgyz said.
“Some players have had wrist surgery, which is far less bad than mine.
“It’s an experiment. I’m told I can say maybe I’ve never played tennis again.
“I feel like I’m right there, I feel like I can compete.”
