Nick Kyrgios makes his long-awaited return to the ATP Tour at the Brisbane International, overcoming years of injuries and determination, ready to reclaim his place in competitive tennis and thrill fans once again.
Nick Kyrgios, the enigmatic Australian tennis player, is poised to make his long-awaited return to the ATP Tour at the Brisbane International, signaling the conclusion of a two-year break characterized by numerous serious injuries. The 29-year-old, who previously held the No. 13 ranking in the world, will re-enter competitive tennis for the first time since his last official match in 2022, during which he only played a single match before injuries sidelined him.
Kyrgios's path to recovery has been challenging, marked by ongoing issues with his knee and wrist, the latter of which necessitated surgery and sidelined him for a significant portion of last year. His latest competition was an unfortunate first-round exit at the 2023 Stuttgart Open, raising concerns among fans and analysts about whether the vibrant Australian could return to his former level of excellence.
In a statement, Kyrgios spoke about his difficult recovery journey, stating, “The Brisbane International has always been a fantastic event, and I have cherished many memories there, especially when I won the tournament in 2018. I feel fit and healthy, and I am thrilled to be returning to tennis after such a lengthy absence. It has been a long road back, and one of my aspirations was to return during the Aussie summer, so I am excited to kick things off in Brisbane, one of my favorite tournaments. I am looking forward to playing in front of the Australian crowd once more.”
The announcement of Kyrgios’s comeback has generated significant excitement, not only among fans but also from tournament director Cam Pearson, who recognized the Australian's previous achievements in Brisbane. “Nick’s past triumphs here are well-known, and we are excited to welcome him back in 2025. His vibrant energy and style on the court are sure to thrill the audience, and we can’t wait to see him display his best tennis,” Pearson stated.
Joining Kyrgios in Brisbane will be fellow Australians Alexei Popyrin and Jordan Thompson, along with a notable international lineup featuring defending champion Grigor Dimitrov, 2024 finalist Holger Rune, and seasoned French player Gael Monfils.
Kyrgios's return marks the conclusion of a challenging few years marked by setbacks and discontent. His struggles began with an ankle injury, which was followed by knee surgery that led to his withdrawal from the 2023 Australian Open. A subsequent foot injury excluded him from competing in the French Open, and a torn wrist ligament required additional surgery, effectively ending his 2024 season prematurely. Despite these challenges, Kyrgios maintained his connection to the sport by taking on broadcasting roles with ESPN, Eurosport, and the BBC, ensuring his presence was felt even while he was away from the court.
With a protected ranking of No. 21, Kyrgios is now in a position to utilize this rank as he seeks to fully re-enter ATP competition in 2025. His involvement in Brisbane will serve as a vital initial step on his path to regaining form, particularly with the 2025 Australian Open approaching.
Prior to commencing his return in Brisbane, Kyrgios will participate in the World Tennis League in Abu Dhabi, an exhibition event showcasing some of the top talents in the sport, including Iga Swiatek, Casper Ruud, Aryna Sabalenka, Taylor Fritz, and Daniil Medvedev. This exhibition offers Kyrgios an invaluable opportunity to assess his fitness and form against some of the best players in the world as he aims to restore his sharpness in preparation for the upcoming season.
