Nick Kyrgios PULLS OUT of French Open after he was set to return for first time in eight years as he lands new job
Nick Kyrgios, the controversial Australian tennis star, has pulled out of the 2025 French Open, scrapping his planned return to Roland Garros after an eight-year absence. Initially set to compete in men’s doubles with compatriot Jordan Thompson, Kyrgios opted for a new role as a commentator, a decision announced less than two weeks after confirming his participation (The Irish Sun, May 24, 2025). The withdrawal, attributed to lingering knee issues, raises questions about his competitive future as he focuses on off-court ventures, mirroring broader challenges faced by players like Emma Raducanu and Alex de Minaur in balancing health and ambition.
Context of Kyrgios’ Withdrawal
Kyrgios, 30, last played at Roland Garros in 2017, famously criticizing clay courts as “sucky” (Sporting News Australia, May 19, 2025). His 2025 return was sparked by Thompson’s need for a partner after Max Purcell’s 18-month doping ban (BBC Sport, May 15, 2025). Kyrgios, who has played only four singles matches this year due to foot, knee, and wrist injuries, expressed enthusiasm for “having fun” in doubles (Reuters, May 15, 2025). However, posts on X by @clementvalette_ cited new knee problems, though unverified, as the reason for his withdrawal (X, May 22, 2025). The Irish Sun confirmed he’ll remain in Paris as a commentator, building on his acclaimed BBC Wimbledon 2024 stint (The Irish Sun, May 24, 2025).
Implications and New Role
Kyrgios’ decision reflects his injury-plagued career, with only one win (Miami Open, March 2025) since 2022 (The Tennis Gazette, May 1, 2025). His commentary role, praised for charisma (World in Sport, May 16, 2025), aligns with his growing media presence, including a podcast and Australian Open 2024 interviews (Yahoo Sports, Jan 10, 2025). This pivot echoes Raducanu’s resilience post-injury scare (The Guardian, May 22, 2025) and de Minaur’s mental reset (The Canberra Times, May 24, 2025), highlighting tennis’ physical and mental toll, as critiqued by Elena Rybakina (EssentiallySports, April 13, 2025).
Challenges and Future
Kyrgios’ withdrawal dims hopes for a competitive comeback, with his No. 633 ranking and hints of 2025 being his final season (Greek City Times, April 30, 2025). His past French Open struggles—never past the third round—and disdain for clay (The Playoffs, May 16, 2025) suggest doubles was a low-risk return. X posts, like @MSports_all, speculate Wimbledon as his “redemption” (X, May 24, 2025), where he plans to resume singles (ESPN, May 15, 2025). However, recurring injuries, including a wrist issue at Brisbane 2025 (Wikipedia, May 24, 2025), cloud his prospects.
Conclusion
Nick Kyrgios’ last-minute withdrawal from the 2025 French Open, announced May 24, 2025, halts his Roland Garros return, with knee concerns cited amid his shift to commentary (The Irish Sun; X, May 22, 2025). His decision, set against Raducanu’s and de Minaur’s perseverance, underscores the sport’s grueling demands. While Paris will miss his on-court flair, Kyrgios’ voice as a commentator will keep him in the spotlight, with Wimbledon looming as his next test.
