Kyrgios downplays injury concerns ahead of Indian Wells test
Nick Kyrgios has played down concerns over his wrist at Indian Wells this week after the Australian tennis player was seen holding the previously injured area in training on Thursday (AEDT).
The 29-year-old has spent most of the past two years sidelined with injury, undergoing major wrist surgery at one point among other treatments.
Since then, he has made a stilted comeback to the ATP Tour, playing at the Brisbane International and losing his opener to Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard before crashing out of the Australian Open first round to Jacob Fearnley.
Injuries appeared to play a role in both losses, and after his exit in Melbourne, the Aussie declared, “I can’t see myself playing singles here again”.
With his first match back since then looming on Friday afternoon at the Indian Wells Open in California, Kyrgios allayed worries that his tournament would be cut short by injury yet again.
“Look I was feeling great, I actually just practiced for a hour and second to last point I actually felt my wrist a little bit,” he said.
“I still feel like I want to win matches and make some noise.”
Recommended!
The Better Bettors!
Australian-owned and operated bookmaker!
18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE?
Fast Payouts
50% matched deposit up to USD $5,000
However, the former world No.13 was also realistic about his body and what it will take to get back to the top of the game.
“I mean, it seems to be that point where I can’t really catch a break at the moment with my body, but these are just things you have to navigate,” he said.
“You know we’re all navigating different things in our lives and these are just the challenges in front of me, so I’ll do everything I can to be ready.
“Now I just really understand the amount of work that goes into even just getting to the start line.
“I mean, you look at some of the players that have had wrist surgery, [Juan Martin] Del Potro, [Dominic] Thiem and [Kei] Nishikori, it takes time to get back to that level that you once were and you may not ever get there.
“You know, Thiem was a Grand Slam champion and wasn’t able to really scratch the surface coming back.”
Tennis betting sites do not expect Kyrgios to threaten for the title in Indian Wells, putting the world No.1099 at $151 to lift the trophy.
Carlos Alcaraz ($3), Novak Djokovic ($7.50) and Alexander Zverev ($8) lead outright betting at Marantelli Bet, with Alcaraz chasing his third consecutive title at the year’s first Masters 1000.
Kyrgios will get his campaign underway against Dutch lucky loser Botic van de Zandschulp and is priced at $3 across leading bookmakers to claim his first win on the ATP Tour since 2022.