‘I don’t care’: Kyrgios faces hefty fine in sad Wimbledon exit

Nick Kyrgios has bid an emotional goodbye to his Wimbledon career following a first-round men’s doubles loss on Thursday morning (AEST) and unsurprisingly, there was controversy involved that could land the Australian in hot water.

Kyrgios and partner Alexander Bublik were beaten 6-3, 6-4 by sixth-seeded pair Marcelo Arevalo and Mate Pavic in the opening round of the tournament.

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Speaking post-match, the Australian superstar said it would likely be his last time competing at the famous grass-court event, with his career winding down.

“I would probably say pretty confidently my last Wimbledon,” Kyrgios said, while admitting he was “looking around and taking everything in” during the loss.

“It would be hard to see myself coming back here again and competing.”

The highlight of his singles career came four years ago, when he was beaten by Novak Djokovic in the 2022 Wimbledon singles final.

“That final was always going to be one of the better memories of my tennis career, but I just can’t see myself getting back to anywhere near that level,” Kyrgios said.

Kyrgios and Bublik were given a wild card invitation to the doubles draw by the All England Club, but were swiftly knocked out.

A foul-mouthed spray from Kyrgios towards chair umpire Manuel Absolu early in the second set could also draw the ire of tournament officials.

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“Honestly, at this point you can fine me, I honestly don’t even care. I don’t give a shit, all these rules are so dumb anyway,” he was heard saying.

Wimbledon rules state that players who audibly swear while in the tournament precinct can be fined up to $72,000 AUD.

Kyrgios was asked if the rules over in-match swearing needed to change.

“I never said that swearing should be allowed,” he said.

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“I just said some of the rules are a bit ridiculous. I stand by that. Most of the rules are very traditional ... they’re fine.”

Kyrgios has struggled with injuries in recent years and played only sparingly.

He wouldn’t call it the end of his entire career or discuss whether he would like to bow out at his home grand slam of the Australian Open.

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“I’ve just got so many thoughts right now,” Kyrgios said. “You go from making finals of grand slams to struggling to play multiple singles matches.”

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