Nick Kyrgios returned back to the tennis court, but his comeback was difficult for himself and his fans too.
As always, the Australian was able to put on a show and display moments of magic to the fans watching at the 2023 Stuttgart Open. But that wasn't enough to overcome Yibing Wu, as he lost in straight sets already in the first round.
Fans watching the match quickly noticed that Kyrgios still wasn't 100% fit, discussing whether he'll make it in time for Wimbledon. The Australian also took to social media after the match, asking his fans for patience as he was aware that it must have been 'hard to see him perform'.
One of the people that also took to Twitter was Rennae Stubbs, who had a different opinion and thought that Kyrgios didn't put enough effort into winning the match, calling him out for 'tanking'.
"Watching Venus, a 40 plus year old (5 x Wimbledon champ) busting her ass to win a match and losing in 3 sets and then seeing Nick K basically tank a game to lose a set, is the part where respect is earned."
But many fans were really vocal about the fact that the former doubles World No. 1 accused Kyrgios of tanking, despite the Australian apparently not being probably as fit as he expected when he entered the court. One of them said:
"Please Rennae, this is a horrible take. NK is coming off serious knee surgery and cannot move well at all right now, you’d realise that if you were actually watching and not just reporting based on checking the scores. Do better."
But Stubbs wasn't moved by the users comments as she opined that if Kyrgios is injured, he should retire. However, it's not a secret that the 2022 Wimbledon finalist is one of the people who wants to give people a show, even if he's not fit and retiring is certainly not something he had on his mind.
"I’m watching the match chief. If you’re injured stop! If you’re not at 100% don’t keep playing. Thanks for the advice though pal."
As users didn't stop snowing Stubbs' tweet with comments about how the Australian is apparently struggling with an injury, and defending him, which on its own is a rare sight, Stubbs defended her point, claiming she wants to see Kyrgios back as much as anyone.
"I hope and want Nick back as much as anyone. I love watching him play, that is NOT the point. He shouldn’t be out there tanking if he’s not 100% and if he’s further hurting himself. And i was watching the whole thing."
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