The home favourite was beaten in straight sets by Briton Jacob Fearnley in the opening round in Melbourne on Monday (13.01.25) and suggested afterwards that he had "probably" played singles for the last time at the event.

Kyrgios - who was playing in his first major match since the 2022 US Open after suffering serious wrist and hip injuries - said: "Realistically I can't really see myself probably playing singles again here, so it was special. Like taking that in, it was pretty good.

"I didn't want to just throw in the towel and walk off or retire. I was hurting physically. I respect my opponent. The fans waited hours to come see me play.

"Realistically I can't see myself playing a singles match here again."

The former Wimbledon finalist was hampered by an abdominal strain in his defeat but revealed that he still plans to play doubles at the Australian Open with his compatriot and friend Thanasi Kokkinakis.

Kyrgios said: "Yeah, me and Thanasi, I think we owe it to each other to go out there and play.

"Obviously, I know that he's a physical wreck most of the time, but he somehow pushes through. Props to him for getting through his match today.

"Yeah, but I guess we will play doubles. I'll play doubles."

Although he has hinted at retiring, Kyrgios believes he can "make some noise" at Wimbledon this summer if he is fit to play at SW19.

He said: "100 per cent, I'll play the Grand Slams. I've got my protected ranking.

"Obviously, Wimbledon is a big one for me. I still feel like obviously, if I don't have an abdominal strain, I feel when I sustained that five days before a Grand Slam, it's not ideal.

"Hopefully, if my body's feeling good, I'll be able to make some noise at Wimbledon."