Home » Nick Kyrgios leaves the Indian Wells tournament

19 in the world This year, Nick Kyrgios has yet to participate in a game. The Australian has been dealing with a knee problem for months, skipping the end of the previous season as well as the United Cup and Australian Open. Nick had surgery, but it won’t be until at least April before we see him on the court.

Kyrgios withdrew from Indian Wells because he needed extra time to rest up before resuming training. In order to repair Nick’s lateral meniscus and remove a paralabral cyst, arthroscopic surgery was performed. Kyrgios had a fantastic year in 2022, competing in his first Major final at Wimbledon and winning 37 of his 47 matches.

The Australian hopes for better success in 2023 once he returns to competition after finishing the year just outside the top-20. In the Australian Open draw from the previous year, Nick did not have much luck. The local favorite lost in just under three hours against world no. 2 Daniil Medvedev in the second round, 7-6, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2.

Kyrgios rested up until Indian Wells and performed well there.

Nick Kyrgios left the Indian Wells tournament.

After defeating Casper Ruud, Jannik Sinner gave him a walkover, putting him up against Rafael Nadal in the quarterfinals.

Rafa was defeated 7-6, 5-7, 6-4 in two hours and 46 minutes despite Nick pushing him to the edge. Only two points separated Rafa from Nick, and he twice blew serves. The Spaniard won two breaks and overcame in critical situations to reach his 76th Masters 1000 semi-final and maintain his unblemished record in 2022.

Following Nadal‘s double fault in the third game of the match, Kyrgios got off to a stronger start and earned a break. In game eight, Nick won with a forehand down the line to maintain his lead after firing an ace to make it 4-2 in his favor. At 4-5, Nadal received his first break opportunity and pounced on it after the opponent’s errant forehand to prolong the match.

Nick lost the tie break 7-0 following a code violation and a point penalty, losing ground after coming so close. The Australian player maintained his composure throughout the remainder of the match, serving well in set two and applying pressure to the opposition.

Rafa made five excellent holds and appeared confident enough to start the second tie break at 5-6. Instead, Kyrgios defeated him at game point 15 with a behind-the-back backhand volley winner to clinch the set 7-5 and set up a fast-paced final.

In the second game of the final set, Nadal held two break points to prevent his collapse and earn the necessary momentum. At 3-3 in the fifth set, Kyrgios managed to win but lost after making a crucial double fault. In game eight, Nadal won with a forehand to hold at love for a 5-3 victory, and in game 10, he won with a smash to take the lead.

The Australian continued to play solid tennis for the remainder of the year, making it to a few semi-finals before winning his first Major championship at Wimbledon. He gave it his all, won the ATP 500 title in Washington, but fell to Novak Djokovic in four sets.

Nick reached the US Open quarterfinals before losing to Karen Khachanov in five sets. He then played in just one more tournament due to knee problems.