Nick Kyrgios explained his return to Roland Garros after a call from his compatriot Jordan Thompson. The former Wimbledon runner-up had not competed on the clay of the French Open for 8 years, but in the midst of a season of returning to competition, he surprised by registering for the doubles tournament.
The Australian acknowledged in a recent interview with Canberra Times that traveling to Paris was not in his initial plans. It's worth remembering that the Australian is coming back from an injury and a couple of surgeries that kept him out of competition for the previous two seasons.
In 2025, he returned to competition, but without yet finding much rhythm, as he hasn't completely left the injuries behind. Kyrgios has played four singles tournaments so far (record 1-4) and a couple of doubles appearances, including his foray with Novak Djokovic at the beginning of the year at the Brisbane International.
The former world No. 13, however, has re-experienced physical problems, and after his participation in the Miami Open, he announced a break due to a relapse of his injury. Kyrgios has not yet appeared in the clay-court swing, a part of the year he normally avoids due to his discomfort with the surface.
Kyrgios played his last Roland Garros match in 2017. He reached 2nd round and lost against Kevin Anderson.
Everything indicated that Kyrgios would not return until at least the grass-court swing, both due to his physical condition and his past reluctance to participate on clay. Although he was not on the entry list for the French Open singles, the surprise came when he appeared on the doubles entry list alongside his compatriot Jordan Thompson, currently No. 7 in the doubles ranking.
Without a doubt a high-quality pair, as Kyrgios can boast a Grand Slam doubles title back in the 2022 Australian Open alongside Thanasi Kokkinakis. On Thompson's side, he was champion at the 2024 US Open alongside Max Purcell, in addition to reaching the Wimbledon doubles final in the same year.
However, things changed radically for Thompson in his planning for this year after his partner Max Purcell accepted an 18-month suspension for anti-doping rule violations. Thompson, one of the most prominent doubles players of the last year, decided to look for a new partner to face Roland Garros, and Kyrgios was chosen, with whom he spoke personally to convince him to be his partner in Paris.
“The French Open was never really on the cards," Kyrgios told The Canberra Times. "But after the stuff with Max Purcell, Jordan was looking for a partner and he asked me if I wanted to play. We've played at the French Open before, so it'll be good to get out there and play with another fellow Aussie and have a bit of fun."
Indeed, Kyrgios had already teamed up with Thompson previously at the 2017 French Open – precisely the last time Nick was at Roland Garros. They performed well, eliminating second seeds Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut in the first round – and reached the third round, falling to Sebastian Gonzalez and Donald Young, the eventual runners-up of the tournament.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- I predicted whenthe list was finalised that Linda Noskova would win the WTA Finals and her matches against Gauff and Kostyuk prove that. She is the best (underrated) player in the world!Rapunzel11-11-2026
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.
mandoist09-11-2026 - Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
