Nick Kyrgios has shared his pain in a heartfelt social media tribute to his grandmother, revealing she has passed away.
The 28-year-old took to Instagram to share the devastating news, which comes after a string of rough luck for last year’s Wimbledon finalist.
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“Seems like I can’t catch a break right now,” he wrote.
“RIP Yiayia, the best we could ask for. Go enjoy your time with Papou now.”
“Yiayia” is Greek for grandmother.
The news saw a litany of comments in support of Kyrgios, who posted a photo alongside brother Christos.
Christos wrote: “She will look over us always. Remembering her and her strength”.
His girlfriend, Costeen Hatzi, said “Yiayia will always be looking over you,” while doubles partner and close friend Thanasi Kokkinakis also wrote in support.
Tennis legend Boris Becker sent his condolences, as did PR queen Roxy Jacenko and rapper AJ Tracey.
Tennis doubles partner Thanasi Kokkinakis and basketball great Corey “Homicide” Williams also sent messages.
Kyrgios also posted a photo of his grandmother holding a copy of the Greek-Australian community newspaper, Neos Kosmos, featuring Kyrgios alongside Kokkinakis after their 2022 Australian Open men’s doubles victory.
Kyrgios’ maternal grandmother passed away in 2014, and he has spoken about it publicly since.
After a win at the Australian Open over Federico Delbonis, Kyrgios honoured her and opted not to sign his autograph on the camera after the win.
“My grandma passed away last year, that is something I still think about every day, and that’s probably made me a little bit more mature,” he said at the time.
It comes after a string of bad luck for Kyrgios, with the 28-year-old withdrawing from the French Open earlier this week citing ongoing knee troubles after picking up an injury ahead of this year’s Australian Open.
Kyrgios has not played competitive tennis since October last year, and hasn’t played a French Open since 2017, with the clay typically his weakest surface.
Despite this reality and the fact that clay is also particularly harsh on his ailing knees, Kyrgios has previously cited a desire to return to Roland-Garros, owing to partner Costeen Hatzi’s desire to see Paris.
