If this was the last Australian Open singles match of Nick Kyrgios' career — and, to be sure, it's hard to know with him, no matter what came out at his news conference — the big-hitting, big-talking tennis player went out rather quietly Monday night.

Nick Kyrgios is facing an anxious wait to discover if he will be able to play in what could be his final Australian Open match.

Alex de Minaur, the world No. 8, and Nick Kyrgios, who is back after a two-year battle with knee and wrist injuries, are the headliners for their country at Melbourne Park. Kyrgios emceed the night session on John Cain Arena Monday, before De Minaur headlines Rod Laver Arena, the pantheon of Australian tennis Tuesday night.

After surgery and close to 16 months of around-the-clock rehabilitation, things began looking up for Nick Kyrgios. And yet here he is, dealing with pain once more.

The 29-year-old has endured a wretched run of injuries and was hampered by an abdominal issue on Monday night. Fans packed John Cain Arena to get a glimpse of Kyrgios playing his first grand slam since the US Open in 2022, and the Aussie had plenty of home support.

The 29-year-old’s Australian Open return was short-lived — and he warned it could be his last singles match in his homeland.

Nick Kyrgios says he is good for tennis and the sport will get a boost from his return to Grand Slam action at the Australian Open.

Nick Kyrgios hinted at retirement while talking to reporters after his first round loss in a return to the tennis court at the Australian Open on Monday, January 13.

Nick Kyrgios admits that he has "probably" played singles at the Australian Open for the last time after his return to the Grand Slam stage ended with defeat in the opening round in Melbourne.

If this was the last Australian Open singles match of Nick Kyrgios’ career — and, to be sure, it’s hard to know with him, no matter what came out at his news conference — the big-hitting, big-talking tennis player went out rather quietly Monday night.