Nick Kyrgios has returne (Image: Getty)
It looks like a race against time for home favourite to compete at the after losing on his return to singles action at the Brisbane International. Playing his first competitive match since 2023 after a long-term injury lay-off, he pushed the big serving Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard all the way in a three-set epic.
The 21-year-old Frenchman eventually came through 7-6 (7-2) 6-7 (4-7) 7-6 (7-3), but Kyrgios could take heart from a combative display.
However, after undergoing reconstructive wrist surgery 15 months ago, the 29-year-old warned he endured “throbbing” pain ahead of his bid to play at Melbourne Park next month.
“After today I’m super excited for the Australian Open,” he said on court afterwards. “If I’m able to play, I’m able to play. But the reality kind of set in for me. That’s a best-of-three match with my wrist.
“If I’m able to play, not only is a Grand Slam mentally really draining, it’s physically a grind. I think I almost need a miracle, and I need, like, the stars to align for my wrist to hold up in a Grand Slam for sure.”
In the end, it was the superior serving of Mpetshi Perricard that proved vital. The French star hammered 36 aces and won 89% of his first-serve points, also saving two break points as he set up a last-16 clash with Frances Tiafoe.
Kyrgios showed plenty of positive signs in his defeat. (Image: Getty)
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But there was plenty of the old Kyrgios magic still apparent too. And he appears to have lost none of his charisma during his spell on the sidelines, celebrating wildly with the crowd after levelling the match in the second-set tie-break.
“For me, honestly, it was a great match, considering I hadn’t played in 18 months. And to put myself in a winning position was exciting,” he said. “It was just good to be back out there and to say that I can still play a level against someone like that who is coming off the best year of their career and only getting better.”
Organisers of the Australian Open will be concerned by his comments though. The Canberra-based star would inevitably prove a big draw at Melbourne Park, in what would be his first Slam appearance since the 2022 .
And the former finalist did at least get one win under his belt on Monday. He to beat Alexander Erler and Andreas Mies 6-4 6-7 (4-7) 10-8, putting on an entertaining show for the crowd.
Djokovic also made his own return to singles action, beating Rinky Hijikata in his first match since October. The Serbian, targeting his 25th Slam title in Melbourne, comfortably prevailed 6-3 6-3 against the Australian wildcard.