Greek Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios spoke with NBA legend Allen Iverson on the Good Trouble With Nick Kyrgios podcast about his continued regret over losing the 2022 Wimbledon final to Novak Djokovic.
The missed opportunity to take home the win still haunts him. After knocking out No.26 seed Filip Krajinović of Serbia in the second round and then No.4 seed Stefanos Tsitsipas, Kyrgios was heading for the win. Kyrgios then beat Cristian Garin in the quarter final before benefitting from a walkover in the semi final after No.2 seed Rafael Nadal withdrew injured.
Kyrgios then faced No.1 seed Djokovic, who was ready to take his 21st grand slam crown. Leading 6-4 in the first set, Kyrgios got a taste of victory before losing the next three sets 3-6, 4-6, 6-7(3).
“I won the first set, I’m right there, two sets away from basically becoming immortal in the sport,” Kyrgios told Iverson on the podcast. “I think about it every day, it still bothers me, and I still get asked about it.”
This regret comes as Kyrgios has been forced to slow down due to serious wrist and knee injuries. He aims to continue to push for a return to the singles circuit.
“I’ve had four surgeries, three surgeries in the last couple of years. So I feel my body isn’t as elite as it used to be,” he said.
“In tennis, to win a grand slam, that’s all everyone cares about. You could have an amazing season, but at the end of the day, if you don’t have a grand slam, you’ll be forgotten.
“I was right there, and I just didn’t capitalise on it. Now, I’m still playing, but whether or not I’ll have that opportunity again, I’m not sure.”
Kyrgios attempted to make a comeback on the ATP tour at the start of the year, but was beaten in straight sets at the Brisbane International. He then opted out of a wildcard spot in the main draw of the Australian Open. He ultimately played doubles and mixed doubles at the grand slam.
The first round of the 2025 Miami Open was Kyrgios’ last singles win in an ATP match and was his first since 2022.
But Kyrgios has no plans of retiring. “All I do now is play for the fans,” he said. “I still have a massive following. Now, I just enjoy going out there for the fans and putting on a crazy show, seeing the kids out there, that’s basically why I’m playing now.”
Source: 9News
