Nick Kyrgios bailed mid-match against Botic van de Zandschulp at Indian Wells, retiring down 7-6[9-7], 3-0—another injury gut-punch for the 2022 Wimbledon finalist, clouding his 2025 outlook.
After two years sidelined, Kyrgios banked on a clean slate, but his body’s betraying him again. A nagging wrist issue—flaring since Brisbane and Melbourne—forced this latest exit, handing Van de Zandschulp a ticket to face Novak Djokovic in round two.
**First Set**
Kyrgios, now No. 1099, wobbled early in just his third event of the year. Wrist woes shadowed him from Australia, and Indian Wells prep hinted he wasn’t healed. Against Van de Zandschulp, the Dutchman pounced—snagging two quick breaks for a 4-1 edge. Kyrgios clawed back, flipping four straight games with his flashy arsenal, nailing two of three break chances to push it to a tiebreak—only to falter as pain took over.
