Nick Kyrgios’ return to the Australian Open is over after he and partner Thanasi Kokkinakis stopped playing while trailing in the second set of their first-round doubles match

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.

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.

Hampered by an abdominal strain, the mercurial Australian went down in straight sets to Briton Jacob Fearnley in their opener. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Nick Kyrgios has vowed to bring the party back to Melbourne Park in a dynamic doubles duo with Aussie Thanasi Kokkinakis after his shock announcement of probable retirement from the Australian Open main draw.

Nick Kyrgios has dropped a bomb surrounding his future at the Australian Open and it is not what fans want to hear. Nick Kyrgios says he can’t see himself playing men’s singles again at the Australian Open. The 29-year-old was knocked out in the first round of the tournament on Monday by Brit Jacob Fearnley (7-6, 6-3, 7-6).

Nick Kyrgios' Australian Open farewell could be at risk after his doubles partner, Thanasi Kokkinakis, raised concerns about his fitness to compete in their opening match in Melbourne.