Nick Kyrgios pulls out of French Open, shuts down talk of retirement

Nick Kyrgios has pulled out of the French Open but will still be working at the grand slam in Paris as he shut down retirement talk.

Nick Kyrgios has axed his French Open return in favour of a new gig.

The tennis bad boy was set to play at Roland Garros for the first time in nearly eight years in the men’s doubles along with fellow Aussie Jordan Thompson.

The Sun reports the 30-year-old has withdrawn from the tournament less than two weeks after revealing his participation.

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He will be present in Paris, but as a commentator. He has previously worked for the BBC, Eurosport and the Tennis Channel.

Kyrgios had considered playing doubles with Aussie Jordan Thompson after his partner Max Purcell was handed a lengthy drugs ban.

“The French Open was never really on the cards,” Kyrgios said.

“But after the stuff with Max Purcell, Jordan was looking for a partner and he asked me if I wanted to play.

“We played at the French Open before, so it’ll be good to get out there and play with another fellow Aussie and have a bit of fun.”

Nick Kyrgios hasn’t played the French Open since 2017. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)

He added: “I’m excited to get out there and play.

“We put a lot of work in - myself, (physiotherapist) Will (Maher), and the team. I feel good.

“Me and (coach) James (Frawley) have been on the court pretty much every single day.

“I’m hitting the ball well, it’s just a matter of playing matches.

“With this part of my career, I’m excited to travel the world and do some fun things whilst I’m out there.”

Kyrgios has been blighted by injuries in recent years and his hiatuses have sparked suggestions that retirement will soon be on the cards.

But the 2022 Wimbledon finalist is refusing to think about bringing the curtain down on his career.

He said: “I don’t want to speak it into existence (retirement). But I strongly believe I’ve done the work for my wrist to hold up.

Kyrgios is focusing on his media career.

“I’m towards the later stages of my career, for sure.

“I think with this injury, win or lose, it’s just a bonus being out there.”

On the opening day of action at Roland Garros, Australia’s Tristan Schoolkate, Destanee Aiava and Rinky Hijikata lost their first round matches.

Alex de Minaur begins his French Open campaign on Tuesday night against Serbia’s Laslo Djere.

This article originally appeared in The Sun and was reproduced with permission.

Originally published as Nick Kyrgios pulls out of French Open, shuts down talk of retirement