Nick Kyrgios has hinted at an early retirement from tennis, suggesting that he won't keep playing for five more seasons.
Former
Wimbledon finalist Kyrgios has admitted that he does not want to keep playing tennis up to the age of 33.
The 28-year-old has been absent from most of the 2023 season due to injury, meaning he has missed every Grand Slam so far this year. In fact, he was forced to withdraw on the eve of the Australian Open because of problems with his knee.
Kyrgios says he's 'getting old'
Whilst Kyrgios is yet to reveal when he will return to competition following his recovery, he has hinted about when he could leave the sport for good.
The world No. 35 was speaking during the UTS Tour in Los Angeles, another event from which he had to withdraw due to the same wrist injury that kept him out of Wimbledon.
"The schedule is out of control, bro!! I’m getting old. 28. But with all the drinking and partying I’m 57," he said, before adding that "33 is insane. I’m not playing till I’m 33. Once I’m gone, you’ll never see me again."
Hopes to coach in the future
Despite Kyrgios' statement, 33 years old may not seem that old to most tennis fans these days.
Indeed, many of the big names in men's singles tennis have played up to their late thirties - world no. 2
Novak Djokovic is 36 years old, and Roger Federer was 41 when he officially retired.
However, it is often about what feels right for the athlete, and for Kyrgios, it is clear that he is already thinking about his future outside of playing matches.
"I think I might just coach. Coach Foe (Frances Tiafoe) full-time. That would be sick!"
The Australian is currently coaching his friend and world No. 10 Tiafoe at the UTS, as the American's longtime coach Wayne Ferreira was unable to make it.