Nick Kyrgios Dismisses Retirement Speculation as ‘Ridiculous’ Amid Dispute Over Newspaper Column
Nick Kyrgios dismissed rumors of an imminent retirement from tennis, calling the speculation “ridiculous” and clarifying comments attributed to him in a newspaper column. The Australian player addressed the issue on Eurosport, emphasizing that he is not retiring despite facing brutal injuries and undergoing surgeries. Kyrgios, who had played only one competitive match in 2023 due to injuries, expressed determination to return, emphasizing that retirement rumors are unfounded.
Kyrgios refuted reports of considering retirement on social media and explained that he had given an interview for the column rather than writing it himself. He criticized media tendencies to spin statements for clicks and clarified that he is not new to such situations. The player, with a protected ranking of 21 in world singles and 11 in doubles, assured his comeback despite the challenges he faced.
In addition, the column revealed Kyrgios’s decision not to make himself available for the 2024 Olympics in Paris. He expressed resentment over past treatment by the Australian Olympic Committee and Chef de Mission Kitty Chiller, citing the ban from the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games as a “disgrace.” Kyrgios asserted that his mentality has changed, and he no longer has the desire to play for his country, feeling more at home away from home.
The Australian Olympic Committee acknowledged Kyrgios’s decisions, stating that every athlete is entitled to make their own choices about their playing futures.
