Nick Kyrgios forced to retire from Indian Wells due to wrist injury
Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios comeback efforts hit another obstacle as a wrist injury compels him to retire mid-match at Indian Wells.
Nick Kyrgios’ ongoing battle with injuries continued at the Indian Wells tournament, where he was forced to retire from his first-round match against Botic van de Zandschulp due to persistent wrist pain. After losing the first set 7-6(9-7) and trailing 3-0 in the second, Kyrgios conceded the match, visibly emotional as he left the court.
Nick Kyrgios looks overcome with emotion as he’s forced to retire from his match against van de Zandschulp at Indian Wells.
He can’t seem to get fully healthy…
Tough night for him.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) March 7, 2025
This incident adds to a series of physical setbacks for the 29-year-old Australian. In 2023, Kyrgios underwent knee surgery, limiting his participation to just one match that year. A subsequent wrist ligament injury in mid-2023 led to another surgery and a prolonged absence from the tour.
Kyrgios made a brief return at the Brisbane International in December 2024 but suffered a first-round exit. At the Australian Open in January 2025, he faced a straight-sets defeat in the first round against Jacob Fearnley, after which he hinted that it might have been his last singles appearance at the tournament.
His latest retirement at Indian Wells raises concerns about his future in professional tennis. Kyrgios’ current ATP ranking has plummeted to No. 1099, reflecting his extended absence from the tour. His participation in upcoming tournaments, including the Miami Open, remains uncertain as he continues to grapple with his physical condition.
Nick Kyrgios has remained active in the media despite his ongoing injury struggles, taking on commentary roles for ESPN, Tennis Channel, and the BBC at major events like the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. He was featured in Netflix’s Break Point and the Australia’s Open documentary, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at his career. In 2024, he launched the interview series Good Trouble with Nick Kyrgios, featuring guests like Mike Tyson and Novak Djokovic. He also made headlines with his candid interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored, where he discussed mental health, racism, and his future in tennis.
As fans and analysts speculate about his next steps, Kyrgios’ resilience and determination will be crucial in overcoming these challenges and potentially returning to competitive play.
Inside the Baseline…
Kyrgios has always been more than just a tennis player, and with his time away from the sport, he’s proving that his voice carries just as much weight as his racket. Whether he’s commentating, fronting a Netflix series, or sitting across from Piers Morgan, he knows how to keep himself in the spotlight. Some might say he’s setting himself up for life after tennis, while others are still waiting for the on-court magic to return. Either way, Kyrgios is doing what he does best, which is stirring the pot, speaking his mind, and making sure no one forgets his name.
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