'There's nothing better': Nick Kyrgios sets comeback goal while hinting at final Australian Open
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Nick Kyrgios has declared his goal is to play during the Australian summer, following another season hindered by injury.
In recent years, Kyrgios' career has been seriously hampered by injuries — including issues with his knee, foot and wrist — having managed just five professional matches this season.
While he was once ranked as high as world No.13 in 2016, Kyrgios' current ranking stands at 652.
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Nick Kyrgios is spotted watching the NBL Blitz match between the South East Melbourne Phoenix and the New Zealand Breakers. Mark Metcalfe via Getty Images
In the lead-up to next year's Australian Open, Kyrgios and women's world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka will face off in a "battle of the sexes" exhibition match in December.
The 2022 Wimbledon finalist has not played a professional match since the Miami Open in March.
Speaking to Nine's Today, Kyrgios offered a positive update, saying he is feeling well as he works toward his comeback to the court.
"Feeling really good," he said.
"The last month is probably the best I've felt physically, and I'm heading overseas on the 30th (November) to go play some events in the States and then obviously the battle of the sexes.
"So, it's been a long time coming, and obviously, I've struggled with a couple of surgeries.
Nick Kyrgios reacts to losing a point during his match against Karen Khachanov at the Miami Open. Getty
"But I didn't give up, and I'm finally here and able to go out there and do what I do best."
The exhibition match against Sabalenka is set to take place less than a month before the Australian Open, providing a crucial tune-up ahead of the year's first grand slam.
With lead-in tournaments also staged across the country, Kyrgios expressed his strong desire to feature heavily this summer.
"The Australian summer is always one of the most important parts of the year for me," he said.
"It's playing in your backyard in front of all the Aussie fans. There's nothing better.
"My goal will be to play the Australian summer."
Australia's Nick Kyrgios plays a forehand during his first-round match against Britain's Jacob Fearnley at the Australian Open. AP
Kyrgios' highly-publicised return to the grand slam arena at the Australian Open earlier this year was short-lived, ending in a straight-sets first-round defeat to Brit Jacob Fearnley.
Speaking afterwards, Kyrgios was blunt about his future at the major, admitting that after a difficult stretch with injury, he could not see himself competing in the Australian Open singles draw again.
On Thursday, Kyrgios hinted that the coming Australian Open might be his final one, suggesting a possible farewell to the tournament.
"I'll play one more time just for you, mate," he promised Today presenter Karl Stefanovic.
Last month, fellow Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis confirmed that there is a concrete plan for him and Kyrgios to team up once again for the doubles competition in 2026.
