Nick Kyrgios gives an insight into life on the ATP Tour – Australian withdraws injured in Tokyo

The year 2022 could hardly have been more successful for Kyrgios. In Wimbledon, the 27-year-old fought his way into the first Grand Slam final of his career, and a few weeks later he won the Citi Open in Washington.

Despite his soaring, the effects of this strain are noticeable in the long run, says Kyrgios. “You face such a high level of responsibility every time and can sometimes stand on the court for up to three hours. It’s exhausting and really serious,” he said.

To distract himself during the consuming weeks and months on the ATP tour and to spread the pressure on his own shoulders, Kyrgios is looking forward to his regular appearances in doubles alongside his compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis, with whom he won this year’s Australian Open.

“Certainly it helps to play the doubles,” underlined Kyrgios. “Playing doubles with Thanasi brings the fun back.” Nevertheless, Kyrgios doesn’t just take part in the events for fun: “But at the same time it’s also my job. I have to make money – so I play both events.”

Kyrgios has to retire in Tokyo

In the past few days, Kyrgios has been on his way to bagging the title in both singles and doubles in Tokyo. But before the individual quarterfinals against Taylor Fritz, the Australian had to give up this plan. The knee caused discomfort for the Wimbledon finalist.

“It’s the better decision for my body. After warming up with Thanasi in the morning, I felt that I had to be careful,” he announced his retirement.

“I still have a few tournaments at the end of the season and I want to do well there. Like this week here in Tokyo. So of course I’m frustrated. It breaks my heart.”

In addition to his duel against Fritz, Kyrgios also had to cancel the doubles semifinals against Mackenzie McDonald and Marcelo Melo.