"The amount of work I put in and I'm still having so much discomfort in my wrist": Nick Kyrgios open on crying after Indian Wells retirement
ATP
Nick Kyrgios was open on why he was so emotional after his Indian Wells return turned to nightmare after he retired with discomfort in his wrist against Botic van de Zandschulp.
Kyrgios continues to be blighted by injuries and whether he would even play in California was a mystery. Especially after issues in training earlier in the week.
He took to the court and played some good tennis but as he said himself, the biggest heartbreak came with the fact that he played well but then was suddenly blighted by injury.
Speaking afterwards, he mused on why he cried on the bench after he had to retire. He said it was as it looked and that it was due to the amount of work that he had put in to get back and how it was suddenly taken away.
Read also
"It's just more so I guess the amount of work I've put in to get back, and just to know that it's not -- like, I can play some, there are glimpses of some really good tennis that I can still play. I guess this process has been probably one of the biggest challenges I've faced in my life. Reality, it's not too bad, but for my tennis career, it's by far the biggest," said Kyrgios.
"Yeah, just the amount of work that goes in when I go back home or when I'm not playing, it's not fun. I know that I can't really be doing any more to try and get back and play. It's just like the process of, even if I lose that match, I don't want to like, I don't mind losing if I don't feel, you know. I know it's going to be uncomfortable but I don't want to feel the pain I was feeling. I'm okay to lose a match. I've lost matches in my career many times. I guess it's just the amount of work I put in and I'm still having so much discomfort in my wrist. That's I guess why I got a bit emotional towards the end because it's one of my favorite tournaments.

Kyrgios also could've played Novak Djokovic in Round Two but now ponders his future.
"You know, even after Australian Open I wasn't sure what I was going to play next, but this was always probably going to be one of the tournaments I'm going to play regardless. I love it here. I've had so many good memories here. It's one of the best tournaments we have. After Australian Open, all I did was rehab, train, and then try and get ready for this tournament. I was two days out of the tournament here and I was having a great training session, and literally the second-to-last point in my training session I hit a forehand, I felt a sharp pain, and I had to stop playing.
"I mean, it's not ideal, but I guess, I don't know, we go back to the drawing board as a team, and we just try and figure out and navigate a way to just get through these matches. Like, I would have loved to be able to finish that match even if I lose just as a building block, to say, okay, I went out there and was competing with a very good player, and I had chances and set points and breakpoints. So it's like these building blocks, but now if I'm not finishing matches that becomes a concern.”
Difficult scenes 💔
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 7, 2025
An emotional @NickKyrgios is forced to retire 7-6 3-0 down to Van de Zandschulp due to wrist pain#TennisParadise pic.twitter.com/wWL9ESesIY

Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.
mandoist09-11-2026 - Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!
mandoist09-11-2026 - "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?
mandoist09-11-2026 - Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.
mandoist08-11-2026 - Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??
mandoist08-11-2026 - Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026






