‘Gotta let go: Nick Kyrgios’ cryptic message ignites rumour mill

Nick Kyrgios’ tennis career has been up in the air since retiring hurt at Indian Wells on Friday and he has now seemingly made up his mind.

Nick Kyrgios has opened up about the pain of having to retire hurt at the Indian Wells Masters on Friday, in a cryptic social media post that resulted in more questions than answers.

Kyrgios was down 7-6 3-0 to Botic van de Zandschulp when the pain of his troublesome wrist became too much to bear and he was inconsolable, crying into his hands as he stated he needed to retire hurt.

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It was the latest setback in the 29-year-old’s injury comeback, with Kyrgios having struggled with the wrist injury he had operated on during his last ATP Tour appearance at Melbourne Park.

And in an emotional statement to social media, Kyrgios declared he will be back and enjoy whatever is left of his tennis career, however, whether that means he will return competitively or instead play in exhibitions is unclear.

“Emotional night for me but I really appreciate everyone who’s helped me keep my head up. You know who you are.” he wrote in a heartfelt message to TikTok over a still image of himself playing.

Nick Kyrgios has vowed to return to the court after his latest setback. Image: Getty

“Gotta let go of what was. You are a new person, new player now,” he wrote.

“It ain’t easy,’ but you have to enjoy whatever is left in this tennis journey. I’m a competitor, I always think I’m capable and always want to play my best.

“But that also stems frustration and anger to myself. I have to be kinder – it’s a blessing to still be able to play this sport that has given me so much.”

Speaking about having to retire after the match Kyrgios said he “started to feel a sharp pain in his wrist” which did not improve.

And he also conceded he had been overcome with emotion due to how much work he had done to just get back onto the court.

“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,” Kyrgios said.

Nick Kyrgios was visibly distraught after retiring on Friday. (Getty Images via AFP)

“I guess this process has been probably one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in my life. In reality, it’s not too bad, but for my tennis career, it’s by far the biggest. 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 why I got a bit emotional towards the end because it’s one of my favourite tournaments.

“You know, even after the 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.”