'We've been in touch': The tough road ahead for Nick Kyrgios to return to Australian Open
Updated . First published
Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley is happy to have Nick Kyrgios back for the summer of tennis.
Kyrgios is building a solid foundation for his summer return, signing on to play the Kooyong Classic just one week ahead of next year's Australian Open.
Earlier this month, Kyrgios declared he would test his readiness for a return to the grand slam stage, following another season hindered by injury.
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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 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 across the Brisbane International, Australian Open and Indian Wells.
While he was ranked as high as world No.13 in 2016, Kyrgios' current ranking stands at No.666. Crucially, the 2022 Wimbledon finalist has not played a professional match since the Miami Open in March.
Kyrgios was first sidelined by a knee injury not long after his strong 2022 US Open run. Now, his major challenge is converting fitness from training and exhibition matches into grand slam form on the courts of Melbourne Park.
Although the regular ATP Tour season has concluded, Kyrgios is firming up his Australian Open preparations.
Tiley said they will certainly welcome him back with open arms.
"We have been in touch about what he's doing this summer, and he's obviously got some plans to play pending where his health is," he told reporters at KIA Arena on Monday.
Nick Kyrgios reacts against Mackenzie McDonald at the Miami Open. AP
"He's indicated there are some events he'd like to play, and we welcome Nick back any time he wants to play, but we haven't finalised those yet.
"Naturally, he draws some big crowds and great interest with what he does."
Tiley confirmed Kyrgios will need to earn a wildcard in order to qualify for the Australian Open, however.
"If he wants to play in the Australian Open, he will need to do it as a wildcard," he said.
Kyrgios will begin his schedule abroad with an exhibition against 2023 Australian Open semi-finalist Tommy Paul as part of The Garden Cup at Madison Square Garden in New York on Monday, December 8 (AEDT).
He will then join the Aussie Mavericks Kites team at the World Tennis League event in Bengaluru, India, where he is scheduled to play between December 17 and 20.
Nick Kyrgios in action at the Australian Open. Getty
The event features big names, including three-time Australian Open finalist Daniil Medvedev and French veteran Gael Monfils.
His overseas warm-up will culminate in a highly anticipated "battle of the sexes" match against women's world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka on December 28 in Dubai.
The timing of this final demonstration creates a tight turnaround before the Australian summer officially kicks off.
It remains unclear whether Kyrgios will feature in the Brisbane International — the tournament where he launched his fleeting injury comeback for the 2025 season, beginning January 4.
However, he has now officially added his name to the Kooyong Classic entry list, beginning January 13, to take him to the year's first grand slam.
Tournament director Peter Johnston confirmed that the dual-Australian Open quarter-finalist expressed confidence in his ability to feature in the prestigious event, which is returning to the calendar in January after its cancellation in 2025 because of operational issues.
"It's great to see Nick back playing singles," he said.
"He brings a level of shot-making genius and showmanship you simply don't see every day. When he walks on court, you know something memorable is going to happen. It's great to welcome him back to Kooyong."
Thanasi Kokkinakis has confirmed that he and Nick Kyrgios have a concrete plan to team up once again for the doubles competition in 2026. Getty
The Kooyong Classic has drawn a stacked field for the three-day exhibition.
The line-up is headed by Wimbledon semi-finalist, Lorenzo Musetti, who recently edged out Australia's top-ranked man, Alex de Minaur, in their round robin clash at the ATP Tour Finals.
Musetti will be joined by Alexander Bublik, who enjoyed his best season to date by moving to the cusp of the top 10, and Flavio Cobolli, fresh off leading Italy to its third successive Davis Cup triumph on the weekend.
Former Australian Open semi-finalist Matteo Berrettini and top Russian Karen Khachanov are also among the big names committed. This quality field suggests Kyrgios will get a strong gauge of his form and fitness ahead of the Australian Open.
"Kooyong continues to attract players who want proper match preparation before the Australian Open," Johnston said.
"With Nick joining the line-up and several new names still to be added, this year's field offers strong match-ups and plenty for fans to follow."
