Nick Kyrgios will make his return to competitive tennis at the Brisbane International, marking his first official appearance since playing only one ATP Tour match in over two years. The 29-year-old Australian, once ranked as high as 13th in the world, has battled a series of debilitating wrist and knee injuries that have kept him sidelined since reaching the quarterfinals of the 2022 US Open. His most recent attempt to compete came at the 2023 Stuttgart Open, where he suffered a first-round exit in his only match since late 2022.
“The Brisbane International has always been a great event, and I have had some amazing memories there, particularly when I won the event in 2018,” Kyrgios said in a statement. “I am feeling fit and healthy, and I am excited for my return to tennis following some time out of the sport. It has been a long journey of recovery to be where I am today, and one of the goals I had set was to be able to play during the Aussie summer. I am excited that I get to start in Brisbane, which is one of my favorite tournaments. I am looking forward to being back out on court in front of the Aussie crowds.”
Kyrgios’s comeback announcement was met with enthusiasm by Cam Pearson, the Brisbane International tournament director. “Nick, who has had success here in the past, will kick off his 2025 comeback in Brisbane, and I am excited, as I know all tennis fans will be, to see him back on the court showcasing his best tennis and entertaining the crowds in a way that only Nick can,” Pearson said. The right-hander will join fellow Australians Alexei Popyrin and Jordan Thompson, adding to a strong field that includes defending champion Grigor Dimitrov, 2024 finalist Holger Rune, and Gael Monfils.
A Long Road Back to the Court
Kyrgios’s return comes after a tumultuous period marked by persistent injury setbacks. The former world No. 13 initially sustained an ankle injury, but a knee issue requiring surgery forced him to withdraw from the 2023 Australian Open. His physical troubles continued with a foot injury that ruled him out of the French Open and a torn wrist ligament that necessitated further surgery and ended his 2024 season early. His last competitive outing was at the Stuttgart Open in June 2023, where he fell in the first round.
During his absence, Kyrgios transitioned to broadcasting, contributing to tennis coverage for ESPN, Eurosport, and the BBC. Despite his non-participation, his influence remained as he engaged in exhibition matches and offered his charismatic presence to fans. Kyrgios holds a protected ranking of No. 21, which he can utilize as he aims for a full return to ATP competition in 2025.
His participation at the Brisbane International is will be a first step, especially as he sets his sights on the 2025 Australian Open. Before Brisbane, the 2022 Wimbledon finalist will also test his form at the World Tennis League in Abu Dhabi, an exhibition event featuring prominent players such as Iga Swiatek, Casper Ruud, Aryna Sabalenka, Taylor Fritz, and Daniil Medvedev.
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
