MELBOURNE: Daniela Hantuchova has urged tennis "genius" Nick Kyrgios to fight through the pain barrier and play on after he dropped an Australian Open bombshell on Monday night.
Kyrgios' highly anticipated grand slam return ended with a straight sets, first round loss to Jacob Fearnley and the polarising star later delivered some grim news to his legion of fans.
"Realistically, I can't see myself probably playing singles again here," the 29-year-old said, while adding that he hoped to still play the remaining three majors in 2025.
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Daniela Hantuchova and Nick Kyrgios discuss tactics in Manila in 2014. Getty
Hantuchova, a former world No.5 who reached the AO semi-finals in 2008, played mixed doubles with Kyrgios in the inaugural International Premier Tennis League in 2014.
Now an expert analyst for Stan Sport's Grand Slam Daily, the retired Slovakian star hoped Kyrgios would backtrack on his comments.
"That would really be a shame because he's got so much left to say," Hantuchova told Wide World of Sports on Tuesday.
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"Let's just hope that was the heat of the moment. It was great to see Nick back on the court and let's hope he sticks to tennis because he's got so much still left to say and his potential I don't think has ever been fulfilled. It was just great to see him back on the court."
Kyrgios was clearly hindered by his abdominal and wrist ailments and his biggest weapon – a booming serve – was outgunned by a relative no name in Scotland's Fearnley.
The brash Canberra product has undoubtedly attracted a new, fresh audience to the sport and he maintains that his antics – both on court and off – are good for the game.
Daniela Hantuchova and Nick Kyrgios flying to the Coca-Cola International Premier Tennis League in 2014. Getty
Tennis traditionalists beg to differ.
"You either love it or hate it," Hantuchova said.
"It attracts attention that's for sure, but is it in a good way? That's maybe sometimes doubtful. He's an incredible tennis player.
"I do not agree sometimes with what he says – especially when he attacks commentators and his colleagues now. So that's not cool but at the same time he's a brilliant athlete and I just wish he would give it a go and train as hard as he can because he can win all these tournaments."
Kyrgios has not won a singles grand slam title but reached the Wimbledon final against Novak Djokovic in 2022.
"I want to see him on the court because he's a genius," Hantuchova told Grand Slam Daily.
"He's got so much talent – that potential has never been fulfilled yet so I don't want to see him go anywhere because he's great for the game. And I feel like he's got so much left.
"He's also an amazing commentator as we found out, so you know he's got so many things and options to do. But I would love to see him still compete and get back to the training room and get yourself in the best shape possible.
"So that you can have some fun moments, whether it's playing doubles with Novak again or just to stay on the court."
