Nick Kyrgios deserves some appreciation for what he tried to do at the Mallorca Championships on Monday against fellow Australian Adam Walton. Instead of excellent form, though, what tennis fans saw was a rather injured Kyrgios trying to battle through a match he might have otherwise easily won.
The problem existed for Kyrgios from the beginning. His right knee has been a longtime problem, but his left knee has given him problems, too. Against Walton, both knees appeared not to be doing well for the former Wimbledon finalist.
He hobbled in between points, needed to monitor his fitness concerns during breaks, but was able to stay somewhat in the match because of his excellent serve. When that facet of his game is on point, it is one of the best weapons in tennis. Kyrgios also needs to be able to move well, too, though, and he simply couldn't do that against Walton.
Nick Kyrgios battles his knees as well as Adam Walton at the 2026 Mallorca Championships
The first set went the way of the 27-year-old Walton, four years younger than Kyrgios, but only by a break. While Walton challenged on several of Kyrgios' service games simply because of his inability to get around the court easily, Kyrgios didn't have much of an opportunity to get the break back.
The Mallorca crowd seemed to feed off the tension of Kyrgios' health, too. There was a smattering of clapping at times, but most of the audience seemed apprehensive, likely holding their breath for a potential Kyrgios injury. Finally, at 3-4, Walton was challenged on her serve, but came through, and then led 15-40 on Kyrgios' serve.
Nearly miraculously, at 30-40, the older Australian was able to chase down a drop shot and get one back to win the point and get to deuce. At this, the crowd relatively erupted, wishing the human being well as much as the player.
Unfortunately, Nick Kyrgios would win that battle but lose the war of the match. Adam Walton eventually got the break and just needed to hold serve to take the set 6-4, which he did at love.
While Kyrgios decides the next step in his tennis career (he didn't receive a wild card to enter Wimbledon in singles, but he is scheduled to play doubles with Alexander Bublik), Walton will continue into the round of 16 at the Mallorca Championships. He will next face the two-seed, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
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