"What a horrendous waste of talent," "Nobody is going to miss his antics" - Tennis fans react to Nick Kyrgios suggesting early retirement

Nick Kyrgios recently hinted at a potential early retirement, eliciting some strong reactions from tennis fans.

Last week, Kyrgios made an appearance at the Ultimate Tennis Showdown in Los Angeles, California. Although the controversial Aussie did not actively participate in any of the matches due to injury concerns, he weighed in on his future while having an informal discussion with his peers Frances Tiafoe and Jeremy Chardy.

In a behind-the-scenes video, Kyrgios was seen criticizing the sport for its "hectic" schedule. The 28-year-old remarked that his age was already catching up to him due to his recurrent partying and drinking habits.

Later, when suggested he had at least five more years in the circuit (till age 33), he quickly dismissed the notion.

“Just old bro! I’m getting old. 28. Yeah. But all the drinking and partying, I’m like 57,” he said, laughing. “No f*cking chance. No way. Bro, there’s no chance I’m playing until 33."

In response, one tennis fan denounced the Aussie's laidback attitude and suggested that that was the reason he never realized his true potential.

"What a horrendous waste of talent," the fan tweeted.

What a horrendous waste of talent twitter.com/thetennislette…

Another fan claimed that Kyrgios wasn't a good enough player to be remembered by fans.

"Great, nobody is going to miss his antics," they wrote.

@TheTennisLetter Great, nobody is going to miss his antics.

Another fan claimed the 35th-ranked player had wasted his talent, and that he would've pocketed multiple Grand Slam titles that had he dedicated himself to the sport.

"What a waste of talent? Imagine what he could have achieved if he had put in the effort of the court. I reckon he could have won at least 3 or 4 grand slam events," their tweet read.

@TheTennisLetter What a waste of talent? Imagine what he could have achieved if he had put in the effort of the court. I reckon he could have won at least 3 or 4 grand slam events.

Here are some more reactions from the tennis world:

@TheTennisLetter Lame …

@TheTennisLetter No one cares

@TheTennisLetter He is more focused on being cool within a country club sport....he wants to be 🎾's version of 2Pac. Imagine if he maxed his game, regardless what a talent. Hope he stays safe raging/partying it up.

@MortgageSense83 @TheTennisLetter Has a much broader range of hobbies, activities and social sphere than anyone who focused their entire life on one thing and he still went to a slam finals and won a doubles. I'd say he did it nearly perfect

@TheTennisLetter He'll be missed, or not. He can retire tomorrow if he wants, so we can stop hearing about what a massive talent he was and if and only if stories

@TheTennisLetter With due Respect, please DO.

@TheTennisLetter It’s okay, Bruv. You can bounce.

Nick Kyrgios has been on the sidelines for most of the 2023 season

Due to injuries, Nick Kyrgios has missed a majority of the 2023 season till now.

Many were expecting the Aussie to build on his strong 2022 season, which saw him bag the Australian Open doubles title and reach the Wimbledon singles final. But multiple injury setbacks forced Kyrgios to withdraw from the 2023 Australian Open. Later, he was sidelined for another five months as he underwent knee surgery.

The Aussie returned to the ATP tour in June, making his sole appearance of the season. However, Kyrgios suffered a loss to Yibing Wu in the opening round of the Boss Open in Stuttgart.

The World No. 35 then withdrew from the recently concluded Wimbledon Championships, citing a wrist injury.