The 2022 Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios began his comeback campaign in January at the Brisbane International and later at the Australian Open. Despite starting the year with physical issues, he is now focused on his next tournament in a star-studded draw.
Kyrgios attended Brisbane in the first week of January, where he played doubles alongside Novak Djokovic, reaching the second round. In the singles draw, he lost a tight clash against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the first round, 6-7[2], 7-6[4], 6-7[3].
It was Kyrgios' first tournament in almost two years, having played just one official match between 2023 and 2024. He underwent wrist and knee surgeries that nearly forced him into retirement. The Australian worked hard for his return to the courts but experienced some wrist issues after competing in Brisbane.
Nonetheless, he was present at the first Grand Slam of the year, partnering with Thanasi Kokkinakis in doubles— a duo that had won the title in 2022—but this time, they lost in the first round. In singles, Kyrgios fell in straight sets to Jacob Fearnley (6-7, 3-6, 6-7), and after exiting the tournament, he once again admitted that he still did not feel physically ready.
The former world No. 13 has used his protected ranking (No. 21) to enter his next tournament: none other than the Masters 1000 Indian Wells, starting on March 5. Officially ranked No. 1,093, Kyrgios will have a spot reserved in the main draw of a tournament where he has previously reached the quarterfinals twice (2017, 2022).
He's back 🥳@NickKyrgios up to his old tricks in his first match back#BrisbaneInternational pic.twitter.com/XXnynsivJB
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) December 30, 2024