Nick Kyrgios has opened up about the most significant regret of his tennis career, confirming he is determined to make a comeback to the singles circuit.
The Australian athlete has struggled to make regular appearances in singles matches over the past few years due to major wrist and knee injuries.
His last notable performance came in 2022, when he reached the Wimbledon final and made it to the quarter-finals of the US Open.
Nick Kyrgios of Australia speaks with Leylah Fernandez of Canada during the AO mixed doubles. Getty
During a conversation with NBA icon Allen Iverson on the Good Trouble With Nick Kyrgios podcast, the 30-year-old expressed how often he reflects on that Wimbledon final, feeling it was a missed chance to leave a lasting mark on the sport.
It was a remarkable journey for the Australian, as he successfully put his game together while maintaining good health and harnessing his full potential.
Kyrgios knocked out No. 26 seed Filip Krajinović from Serbia in the second round, followed by a victory over No. 4 seed Stefanos Tsitsipas.
He advanced past Cristian Garin in the quarter-finals before receiving a walkover in the semi-finals after No. 2 seed Rafael Nadal withdrew due to injury.
The final showdown saw him face No. 1 seed Novak Djokovic, who was vying for his 21st Grand Slam title.
Kyrgios clinched the first set against the Serbian superstar 6-4, a lead he admits still haunts him. Unfortunately, he lost the following three sets with scores of 3-6, 4-6, and 6-7(3).
“I played in the Wimbledon final a couple of years back against Novak Djokovic,” he recounted to Iverson on the podcast.
Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios pose with their trophies after the 2022 Wimbledon final. Getty
“I won the first set and was just two sets away from essentially becoming immortal in the sport. I think about it every day; it still bothers me, and I often get asked about it.”
“I got so close… It weighs on my mind, and I feel like my body isn’t as elite as it once was after undergoing four surgeries, including three in recent years. You start to feel the effects of physical decline, and while my skill is still there, I can’t perform consistently at that level anymore.”
“In tennis, winning a Grand Slam is all that truly matters. You could have a fantastic season, but without a Grand Slam, you’re forgotten. I was right on the verge of achieving it, yet I failed to seize the moment. Although I’m still competing, I wonder if that opportunity will ever come my way again.”
Nick Kyrgios during the 2026 Australian Open. Morgan Hancock via Getty Images
Kyrgios made an attempt to return to the ATP tour at the start of this year, but faced a straight-sets defeat at the Brisbane International, after which he chose to decline a wildcard entry into the Australian Open’s main draw.
He ultimately participated in the doubles and mixed doubles events during the Grand Slam.
The last time Kyrgios secured a singles victory on the ATP circuit was in the first round of the 2025 Miami Open, marking his first win since 2022.
However, he has no plans of retiring just yet.
“At this stage, I play for the fans,” Kyrgios mentioned on the podcast. “I still have a massive following, and my main enjoyment comes from entertaining the audience, especially seeing the kids out there—that’s what motivates me now.”
Kyrgios has expressed his intention to compete in the grass court season and participate in Ultimate Tennis Showdown (UTS) events in 2026, as he strives to continue his singles career.
Compiled by SportArena.au.
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