"I want to win matches and makes some noise": Nick Kyrgios still plans to play Indian Wells opener despite wrist trouble

Nick Kyrgios will play Botic van de Zandschulp in his opener at the 2025 Indian Wells Open at around 3am CET with the potential of Novak Djokovic around the corner. But Kyrgios has encountered some issues pre match.

Kyrgios injured his wrist in practice and had to curtail it early. This gave fears that he might not make it to his opener but he has alleviated those fears. Having had surgery, Kyrgios said it is about managing it.

He said that if other examples are looked at such as Nishikori, Del Potro and Thiem, they never really healed from their injuries. Some got back to the level and others never were able to and that it is about maintenance and trying the best with what you've got.

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“Look I was feeling great, I actually just practised for a hour and second to last point I actually felt my wrist a little bit,” said Kyrgios. “I mean it seems to be that point where I can’t really catch a break at the moment with my body, but these are just things you have to navigate. You know we’re all navigating different things in our lives and these are just the challenges in front of me, so I’ll do everything I can to be ready.

“I still feel like I want to win matches and make some noise, but now I just really understand the amount of work that goes into even just getting to the start line.

“I mean you look at some of the players that have had wrist surgery, [Juan Martin] Del Potro, [Dominic] Thiem and [Kei] Nishikori, it takes time to get back to that level that you once were and you may not ever get there. You know Thiem was a Grand Slam champion and wasn’t able to really scratch the surface coming back.

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He also discussed the Novak Djokovic of it all and said that he gains confidence from such a test as his enemy turned friend coming up potentially. Also he said it is hard to look ahead when it was the tie everyone was talking about.

“So, I understand the challenge that was in front of me. It’s almost a bit tougher now, because I see the reality of you know how my wrist is. But when you see a qualifier and then [Novak] Djokovic, I still back myself and I’m confident to get there, but I know that everyone is capable and I know that everyone can play such a high level tennis so I’m going to not look ahead at all.

“You know it’s hard not to these days, I open social media and I see Kyrgios-Djokovic second round. I didn’t ask for it you know, I’m just really looking forward to getting out there and competing against whoever I get drawn to as a qualifier and see if I can have some fun.”

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