KYRGIOS RETIREMENT HEADLINES MIXED AUSSIE DAY IN THE DESERT

Nick Kyrgios' return to the United States for the first time since the 2022 US Open was unfortunately short-lived, as his wrist once again caused him significant pain.

For a period during the opening set, it looked like the 2022 version of Kyrgios, reeling off four straight games to the delight of the very supportive Indian Wells crowd.

But after dropping a tight tiebreaker, the Aussie's wrist continued to worsen, forcing Kyrgios to retire trailing 6-7(7) 0-3.

"The amount of work I've put in to get back. This process has been one of the biggest challenges I've faced in my life. The amount of work that goes in, it's not fun," Kyrgios told the media.

"No one in the sport has had a wrist reconstruction and tried to play after that. There's been players that have had wrist surgeries, nowhere near as bad as what I've had.

"It would be nice if someone had this injury prior and I could ask them [regarding setbacks]. It's all an experiment. I was told I was maybe not ever playing tennis again."

AUSSIE WINNERS

In positive news on day two, three Aussies progressed to the second round; two of whom earned their maiden win at 1000 level.

Rinky Hijikata commenced action in late morning swirling winds, but navigated the conditions perfectly to record a straight sets win.

The 24-year-old - who took down Alexander Shevchenko 6-1 6-3 to reach the second round of a Masters event for the fourth time - credited his youth playing days for his performance in the conditions.

"It was some of the trickiest wind that I've played in, but I grew up playing in Homebush where it was hurricane conditions every afternoon, so I'd like to think I can manage it by now," Hijikata told the press.

He will face Brandon Nakashima in the round of 64, who the Aussie has faced three times in twelve months and beat in Adelaide this year, as he seeks to break new ground at Indian Wells.

Later, Kimberly Birrell earned her first victory at this level; a 6-4 6-4 triumph over Viktorija Golubic.

It's another significant win for Birrell who has set herself apart as Australia's no.1 female player, now up to 67 in the live WTA rankings.

She will face Elise Mertens on Saturday, which presents another opportunity to capitalise on her impressive form.

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Adam Walton was the final Aussie winner on Thursday, playing in the freezing desert evening with few spectators bracing the weather from the stands.

But with many American friends behind him, Walton controlled proceedings to record a 7-5 6-1 victory over Giulio Zeppieri.

"It was just so cold. In the changeovers, you're wrapping towels around yourself. You have to adapt to that," Walton said post-match.

"Wins don't come very easy at the top. That's only my fourth tour-level win."

Walton will play Denis Shapovalov next who he has not previously met.

"I've never played him. I don't play many guys at this level. I've watched a lot of him on TV...another leftie. I'm looking forward to the challenge," Walton said.

Elsewhere, Ajla Tomljanovic retired from her match against Caty McNally after dropping the first set 6-4.

Tomljanovic took a medical timeout off-court to attend to her right shoulder but upon return was still unable to play without pain, causing her retirement.

Other Aussie Results:

Li Tu defeated by Dusan Lajovic 6-2 6-0

Maddison Inglis defeated by Sofia Kenin 6-2 6-1

Maya Joint defeated by Sorana Cirstea 6-2 7-5

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