(VIDEO) A heroes welcome: Nick Kyrgios returns to the Australian Open to raptuous acclaim

It has been a long road for Nick Kyrgios and still is as of right now. The Aussie ace has gone from the Wimbledon final and the success with Thanasi Kokkinakis at the Australian Open to failing to play for the last two years in his home event and he has finally returned.

Kyrgios soaked up a heroes welcome as he returned to John Cain Arena to face British rising star and a real tough test given his recent form, Jacob Fearnley. No other player rose as much in the rankings last year and the Brit who perhaps isn't Jack Draper yet could well join him soon in the top Brit ranks.

This is especially a test also as Kyrgios has been suffering with injury so him playing is perhaps a surprise but no matter if he wins or not, he has succeeded in his mission of returning to the sport.

He last played competitively before this year against Yibing Wu in June 2023 and has had a long road back. He was more of a commentator last season than a player and finally whether it is the last time or not, he gets to return and he has started with a first game.

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