Nick Kyrgios is set to make his return to the ATP Tour after receiving a wildcard for the Brisbane International, where he could play his first competitive match in 10 months. The Australian has been sidelined by ongoing fitness issues, limiting him to just five singles matches in 2025.
Injuries stall momentum
Kyrgios’ most recent ATP appearance came at the Miami Open in March, where he suffered a second-round defeat to Karen Khachanov. A succession of serious injuries over the past few years has disrupted his career and seen his world ranking slide to 673.
Exhibition spotlight before tour return
Before stepping back into ATP action, the 30-year-old will return to the spotlight in a high-profile Battle of the Sexes-style exhibition match against women’s world number one Aryna Sabalenka on 28 December. The match has sparked debate within the sport and will be broadcast live on BBC One.
Warm-up plans in Melbourne
Kyrgios will also feature at the Kooyong Classic exhibition event in January, using it as preparation as he builds match fitness ahead of a potential return to Grand Slam tennis.
Australian Open hurdles
A comeback at the 2026 Australian Open remains uncertain. Kyrgios does not have a protected ranking, meaning he will require a wildcard to compete at Melbourne Park.
Limited Grand Slam action
The former Wimbledon finalist, who lost to Novak Djokovic in the 2022 final, has played just one Grand Slam match since then. That appearance ended in a first-round loss to Britain’s Jacob Fearnley at the Australian Open earlier this year.
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