Nick Kyrgios posts cryptic message after pulling out of Winston-Salem Open

In a shock last-minute call, Nick Kyrgios pulled out of the Winston-Salem Open just before the start of his first-round match on Sunday.

The Australian was chalked to play against Andy Murray in a highly-anticipated match but while he was about to walk out, it was announced that Kyrgios had retired from the tournament.

Although the ATP Winston-Salem Open has not officially announced the reason for Kyrgios’ last-second withdrawal, however, reports indicate he has been struggling with a left knee injury.

However, following the announcement of his exit, reports from news.com.au suggest that the crowd was left heavily displeased and booed the 26-year-old. 

Kyrgios hasn’t exactly been a darling of the crowds, to say the least, his onfield as well as off the field have often grabbed the headlines subjecting to criticisms from all corners. 

It was announced almost 30 minutes later that Murray will now play lucky loser Noah Rubin.

But soon after the incidents on court Kyrgios posted a cryptic message on his Instagram stories. His post of a cartoon character smoking a cigarette, included the caption: “Never regret anything that made you smile.”

While it’s difficult to guess who the message is aimed at, Kyrgios has never backed out from expressing himself.

Meanwhile, earlier in the year, Kyrgios controversially skipped the Olympics in a last-minute withdrawal following Wimbledon citing the COVID-19 climate that surrounded the Tokyo Games.

He has since committed to playing the 2022 Australian Open and has promised to feature in the mixed doubles with American teenage sensation Coco Gauff.

Coming into the Winston-Salem Open, Kyrgios had lost three consecutive matches land is yet to make a quarter-final of any event he has played this year.

Currently ranked No. 85 in the world, Kyrgios has won six ATP titles and has reached nine ATP finals, including the 2017 Cincinnati Masters.