Kyrgios open to time on sidelines again

Nick Kyrgios is prepared for another extended stint on the sidelines, declaring he won’t force himself to travel overseas and play under tough restrictions this year as the coronavirus pandemic drags on.

The 25-year-old star returned at the Australian Open after more than a year out of the game and proved he can still compete with the best in a tough five-set, third-round loss to US Open champion Dominic Thiem.

He relished the chance to compete in front of electric crowds on the big stage, but he’s adamant he won’t miss tennis if he sits out again.

Kyrgios, who has been fiercely critical of Novak Djokovic and other stars playing at certain events during the pandemic, is unsure what his playing future holds.

“I dunno, man, I can change like the wind. I’m not too sure,” Kyrgios mused soon after his loss to world number three Thiem on Friday night.

“Depending on what happens with COVID in Australia – I’m assuming we’ll probably settle it pretty quickly – but I don’t know how I’ll have to quarantine overseas in tournaments.

“I’m not going to force myself to go to these places and quarantine for a week and play with no crowd – that’s just not me.

“I just don’t think it’s right. I’m not going to force myself to play.”

(Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Kyrgios was up two sets and two break points on Thiem before the Austrian ace – last year’s Melbourne Park runner-up – lifted himself to another level to prevail 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.

“I’m right there and I believe in myself,” Kyrgios said, noting he still isn’t at his peak fitness and form levels after so long out of the game.

“I knew today I had an absolute fighting chance.

“I walked in there expecting to win, that’s how I always go into a match, but he steadied the ship well and that’s why he’s great.”

The immensely talented Kyrgios has often been accused of not caring enough about the sport and giving up too easily throughout a career under an intense spotlight.

He said he had learned one thing from his comeback at Melbourne Park.

“I’ve got a big heart,” Kyrgios said.

“I was going through a lot during the year and I was pretty proud the way I prepared.

“I was really, really, really happy with the way I played.

“I lost that match (against Thiem) and as soon as I lost I wasn’t upset, I was smiling and happy for him. He’s put in a body of work and he was rewarded for it.

“I’m not a jealous or envious person, so I lose and live on tomorrow. That’s just how I look at it.”

Kyrgios will turn his attention to playing doubles with close friend Thanasi Kokkinakis on Saturday and take a break before assessing his options.

“I’m going to have some fun with Thanasi and unfortunately there’s going to be no crowd, but I’m not thinking that far ahead,” he said.