Indian fountain: Nick Kyrgios retired when he was injured against Botic van de Zandschulp in the first round

A tearful Nick Kyrgios was forced to withdraw from his game in Indian Wells in the first round with a wrist injury when his tennis return suffered a further setback.

The Australian played his first game since the Australian Open in January and headed Botic van de Zandschulp 7-6 (9-7) 3-0 before ending the match early.

Kyrgios was visibly upset when he spoke to the coach about his right wrist, which he had operated on in September 2023.

The 29-year-old also fought with knee and foot injuries over a period of 18 months before returning at the beginning of the year.

“Nobody in sports had a wrist reconstruction and tried to play afterwards,” said Kyrgios.

“There were players in whom wrist operations and by no means as bad as what I had.

“It's all an experiment at this time. I was told that I was probably never tennis again.

“I feel like exactly there, I have the feeling that I can compete.”