Nick Kyrgios is edging closer to a competitive return after receiving a wildcard for January’s Brisbane International. As a result, the Australian is set for his first ATP Tour appearance in ten months.
In recent times, persistent fitness setbacks have limited the 30-year-old to just five singles matches all year. His last outing came in March, ending with a second-round Miami Open loss to Karen Khachanov.
Nevertheless, momentum is quietly building around Kyrgios as he prepares to step back into the public eye. Before Brisbane, he will headline a high-profile exhibition against women’s world number one Aryna Sabalenka on 28 December.
That Battle of the Sexes-style clash offers both spectacle and rhythm ahead of the new season. Moreover, it allows Kyrgios to test his body under match-like intensity without ranking pressure.
A long road back after injuries and ranking slide
In addition, Kyrgios is scheduled to feature at the Kooyong Classic in Melbourne next month.
However, the journey back has been far from straightforward. Repeated wrist, knee and foot injuries have disrupted his career and stalled any sustained momentum.
As a result, his world ranking has plummeted to 673, leaving him outside automatic entry thresholds. Notably, he does not hold a protected ranking to ease his comeback.
Because of that, Kyrgios will require another wildcard to contest the 2026 Australian Open. Still, organisers may view his return as a major draw for fans. The former Wimbledon finalist has played only one Grand Slam match since 2022. That lone appearance ended in a first-round defeat at Melbourne Park earlier this year.
Yet, despite setbacks, Kyrgios remains defiant and ambitious. If his body holds up, Brisbane could mark the first step toward a meaningful revival.
Tags: Nick Kyrgios, ATP return, Australian Open, Brisbane wildcard.
