Nick Kyrgios will compete at the upcoming Australian Open! The home favorite will play in front of the home fans with a protected ranking, returning to the home Major after three years. Kyrgios has played only one match after Tokyo in October 2022, struggling with injuries and dropping from the ATP ranking list.
The former Major finalist is finally ready to extend his career. The Aussie overcame issues with his knee and wrist, practicing injury-free and hoping for a strong return. Nick will play his first tournament in a year and a half in Brisbane in the first week of 2025.
After that, he will travel to Melbourne and seek glory in front of the home fans, feeling motivated to challenge the rivals from the top. Kyrgios endured all the challenges, maintaining his mental strength and feeling positive vibes ahead of his first matches.
Wimbledon 2022© Stream screenshot
Nick’s physical issues and dark times
The Aussie had to start from the beginning following wrist surgery, training with the balls for the U10 category! Before that, he faced knee issues after the 2021 Australian Open, staying away from the court until Wimbledon. He lost six of the final nine matches of the season and ended the season earlier after more setbacks.
Kyrgios failed to raise his level at the beginning of 2022, dropping out from the top-10 for the first time since 2014. He fell to Daniil Medvedev at the Australian Open after a thriller and felt better in the upcoming months.
Nick collected good results in Indian Wells, Houston, Stuttgart and Halle, heading to Wimbledon with high hopes. The Aussie overcame the first obstacle at the All England Club and reached the semi-final. Rafael Nadal gave him a walkover, propelling the Aussie into his first Major final.
Wimbledon 2022© Stream screenshot
Kyrgios battles against Novak Djokovic for a Major trophy
Nick chased the crown against Novak Djokovic and fought well in a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 loss in three hours. Kyrgios claimed the opener and extended his good run against the legend. Djokovic bounced back and played well in the remaining three sets and turned the tables.
The Serb denied five of six break points and provided two breaks in sets two and three, his first over the Aussie! Novak tamed his strokes nicely and took charge in the mid-range rallies. Nick made a reliable start and clinched a break in the fifth game of the opener.
Nick Kyrgios, Brisbane 2018© Stream screenshot
He held in the tenth game, clinching the first part of the duel 6-4 and moving closer to a stunner. The six-time Wimbledon champion bounced back in the second set. Novak secured a break in the fourth game and served for the set at 5-3.
The legend faced four break points and denied them, landing a service winner on a set point and locking them at one set all after 70 minutes. They served well in the opening eight games of the third set, moving closer to a tie break.
Still, Nick sprayed mistakes in the ninth game, dropping serve and falling behind. Novak served for the third set in the tenth game and fired a service winner to open two sets to one advantage. The fourth set saw no break opportunities, with two servers keeping everything under control.
They arranged a tie break, and Kyrgios felt the pressure. He suffered three mini-breaks and fell 6-1 behind. Kyrgios denied two match points on serve. Djokovic sealed the deal on the third after the rival’s backhand error, leaving the rival with the runner-up spot.
Nick Kyrgios, Wimbledon 2022© Stream screenshot
Nick’s most recent title and more issues with injuries
Nick drew positive things from a notable Wimbledon campaign and played well in Washington. He defeated six rivals and claimed his seventh ATP title. The Aussie defeated Daniil Medvedev at the US Open and reached the quarter-final. He fell to Karen Khachanov after an epic battle.
Instead of a strong finish to the season, Kyrgios missed Tokyo and ended the season with wrist issues. He missed last year’s Australian Open due to knee problems, undergoing surgery and hoping for a fresh start.
Nick Kyrgios, Australian Open© Stream screenshot
However, things were only getting worse for the Aussie! Kyrgios has played only one match in the previous 25 months, dealing with knee and wrist problems and almost ending his career. The Aussie missed the Australian Open last year and underwent knee surgery.
To make things even worse, Nick tore a ligament in his right wrist in June. He experienced an early loss in Stuttgart on grass and stayed away from the court for a year and a half! Things are looking better for Kyrgios ahead of 2025, and the home fans will see him in action in Brisbane.
After that, he will return to Melbourne for the first time in three years. Nick is hoping for a strong run despite the most extended break of his career, feeling eager to make damage at the home Major.
Tennis World USA