Nick Kyrgios and his future have always been subject to mixed messaging and throwaway lines.
Following arguably the best year of his career, the latest update from Dubai could either be taken with a grain of salt or seen as an insight in what lies ahead for the world No.22.
Kyrgios has already declared bold Australian Open hopes and is preparing in Sydney, where he could confront 22-time major winner Rafael Nadal, and Adelaide as a signal of his intent.
He’s also taking on the likes of Novak Djokovic at an exhibition in Dubai and between matches outlined that, like Ash Barty did after her breakthrough Australian Open triumph in January, he could walk away if a grand slam singles trophy became his to cradle.
“Hopefully, I can win a slam and just retire,” Kyrgios said at the World Tennis League teams event.
A Wimbledon finalist this year, having also won three doubles titles and the Washington Open singles final in August, the 27-year-old said winning made his life “more stressful”.
But, having said earlier this year that he will “probably not” play past the age of 30, Kyrgios also said he was having the most fun of his turbulent career.
“It took a lot of hard work this (2022) season, a lot of discipline and it seems the better you do, everyone wants a bit more of you and it becomes more stressful.,” he said.
“But I had a lot of fun this season. And I’m finally just proud to say I made a slam final and started to meet some expectations. I had a lot of fun, I enjoyed it, definitely felt better off and on the court.”
The event in Dubai will run all week, with four teams – the Falcons, Eagles, Kites and Hawks – taking part in singles as well as both single-gender and mixed doubles.