After 18 months away, Nick Kyrgios made his ATP Tour return on Tuesday at the Brisbane International, facing Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. Following the match, Kyrgios responded to a social media post about his loss and took the opportunity to send another pointed message to Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek.
The controversial doping cases involving Sinner and Swiatek have clearly irritated Kyrgios, who hasn’t missed a chance to reinforce his criticisms.
In his comeback, Kyrgios, while not at his peak, displayed a competitive edge despite his extended absence. He served well throughout the match and pushed Mpetshi Perricard to a third-set tiebreak. Ultimately, the Frenchman clinched the victory 7-6, 6-7, 7-6 after two and a half hours.
The match featured few rallies, with most points ending quickly. Kyrgios held his own in the serving battle, where Mpetshi Perricard won 88% of first-serve points compared to Kyrgios' 82%.
Tennis journalist Bastien Fachan posted a video on social media joking about Kyrgios' defeat, captioning it: "Nick Kyrgios getting 7-6 6-7 7-6-ed off the court by a server 10 years younger than him." Surprisingly, Kyrgios responded directly.
“😂 still haven’t failed no drug tests tho,” he replied, referencing Sinner and Swiatek.
Despite his first-round singles loss, Kyrgios remains in the doubles competition. He will team up with Novak Djokovic on Wednesday to take on the draw’s first seeds, Nikola Mektic and Michael Venus, both Grand Slam doubles champions.
😂 still haven’t failed no drug tests tho
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) December 31, 2024
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, like writer of this wonderful article, also picked Noskova to win this entire thing. I would love it if she and Andreeva are in the final.Rapunzel12-11-2026
- "Priorities", Saba... spend less time in front of cameras, anti-Social Media, selfies and back to Tennis.
mandoist12-11-2026 - Tell this to Andreeva!mandoist12-11-2026
- Andreeva with 11 games in a row to add to Saba's downward spiral issue !!! Personal feelings aside... Jess Pegula may want to reassess her evaluation of Mirra's abilities.mandoist12-11-2026
- 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
