Nick Kyrgios is preparing to make a triumphant return to competitive tennis in 2025 after enduring a severe wrist injury that almost forced him into early retirement. For the Australian tennis star, the journey back to the court has been fraught with challenges, but his determination and love for the game have pushed him to fight through the pain and make a comeback. Kyrgios, known for his electrifying on-court antics and undeniable talent, is now eager to compete at the Australian Open in two months, where he hopes to play in front of his home crowd and thank his loyal fans for their unwavering support over the years.
**The Long Road to Recovery**
The road to recovery has been anything but smooth for Kyrgios. Reflecting on his wrist injury, he revealed that his chances of regaining competitive form were slim, with doctors giving him only a 15% likelihood of a successful recovery. Undeterred, Kyrgios embarked on a grueling rehabilitation journey. He had to essentially relearn how to use his wrist, starting with exercises involving fluffy balls typically used by under-10 players. For an elite athlete accustomed to high-level competition, such a process was both humbling and frustrating. However, Kyrgios channeled his frustrations into a fierce determination to not let injury dictate the end of his career.
“I had to teach my wrist all over again,” Kyrgios explained. “At first, I saw no improvement. The physical struggle was brutal, but I refused to give up. Mentally, it was about staying strong and believing that I could make it back.” His perseverance paid off, and as he prepares for the upcoming season, Kyrgios is cautiously optimistic, though he acknowledges that his career is now a “bonus” beyond this point.
**A Storied Career Marred by Setbacks**
Kyrgios has always been one of the most captivating players on the ATP Tour, known for his immense talent and ability to defeat the best players in the world. The Aussie rose to prominence as the most notable player of the 1995 generation, reaching a career-high ranking of World No. 13 and capturing seven ATP titles. His most recent victory came in Washington, D.C., in 2022. However, his career has also been marked by periods of inconsistency and injuries that have kept him from reaching his full potential.
The global COVID-19 pandemic further disrupted Kyrgios’ momentum. In 2020, he chose to stay at home and forgo traveling due to safety concerns, leading to a lengthy absence from the tour. When he finally returned to competition, Kyrgios struggled with a knee injury that kept him out until Wimbledon. Despite a few flashes of brilliance, including a memorable battle against Dominic Thiem at the Australian Open, his knee continued to be a persistent issue. He eventually ended his season at the Laver Cup, and by early 2022, he found himself outside the top 100 rankings for the first time in eight years.
**A Resurgence at Wimbledon 2022**
Kyrgios’ resurgence at Wimbledon in 2022 marked a turning point in his career. Entering the tournament with high hopes, he showcased his brilliance by defeating a string of formidable opponents, including Stefanos Tsitsipas and Brandon Nakashima. In the semifinals, Kyrgios advanced without having to play a match after Rafael Nadal withdrew due to injury. In his first Grand Slam final, he faced off against Novak Djokovic in a captivating showdown that demonstrated the Aussie’s potential to compete at the highest level.
Despite losing to Djokovic in four sets (4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6), Kyrgios proved he could challenge the very best. Djokovic’s experience ultimately prevailed, but the match highlighted Kyrgios’ immense talent, particularly his powerful serve and dynamic shot-making. “I gave everything I had out there,” Kyrgios said after the match. “Playing in a Grand Slam final against a legend like Novak was a dream come true.”
**Another Setback and the Long Climb Back**
The high of reaching the Wimbledon final was followed by more adversity. Kyrgios captured another title in Washington later that year and made a deep run at the US Open, defeating World No. 1 Daniil Medvedev before losing to Karen Khachanov in a five-set thriller. Unfortunately, his wrist began to bother him shortly afterward, forcing him to withdraw from tournaments and ultimately end his season prematurely.
Kyrgios underwent wrist surgery and worked tirelessly to regain strength. However, setbacks continued to plague him. In June, he tore a ligament in his right wrist, limiting him to just one match in Stuttgart over the past 25 months. Testing his wrist against Casper Ruud at the UTS New York event provided a glimmer of hope, as he performed well and beat the Norwegian, raising optimism for his return.
**Looking Ahead**
As Kyrgios prepares for his comeback at the Australian Open, his outlook is both reflective and hopeful. “This is the best I’ve felt in two years,” he shared. “In 2022, I reached the Wimbledon final, but wrist issues started at the US Open. Now, after reconstructing my wrist, I feel amazing.” For Kyrgios, the chance to compete again, especially in front of his home fans, is a victory in itself. While his career may be approaching its final chapters, fans worldwide are eager to see what he can achieve when injury-free.
Kyrgios’ determination to end his career on his own terms, rather than succumbing to injury, is a testament to his resilience. Should he remain healthy, there’s every reason to believe he can continue to thrill audiences with his unique blend of power, talent, and charisma—traits that have made him one of the sport’s most captivating figures.