Nick Kyrgios, the enigmatic and talented Australian tennis star, is set to make his much-anticipated return to competitive tennis at the Brisbane International, marking the beginning of his road back from a challenging period plagued by injuries. The 28-year-old, whose last appearance on the ATP Tour ended in a first-round loss at the Stuttgart Open in June 2023, has endured a tumultuous journey over the past year due to multiple health setbacks that have kept him off the court. His appearance at Brisbane will signal a fresh start for the former Wimbledon finalist as he attempts to reignite his career on the ATP circuit.
Kyrgios’ announcement was met with considerable excitement from fans and the tennis community alike. The Brisbane International, an ATP 250 event, kicks off on December 29th, and the Australian will be competing in a familiar environment. He has tasted success in Brisbane before, having won the title in 2018 after defeating Ryan Harrison in the final—a victory that marked one of his seven ATP Tour singles titles. Reflecting on his return to the tournament, Kyrgios expressed his enthusiasm and readiness to compete once again.
“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 stated. “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. One of the goals I had set was to be able to play during the Aussie summer, so I am excited that I get to start in Brisbane, which is one of my favourite tournaments. I am looking forward to being back out on court in front of the Aussie crowds.”
Kyrgios’ path back to competition has been anything but smooth. His ordeal began with an ankle injury that sidelined him, followed by a knee problem that forced him to withdraw from the 2023 Australian Open, much to the disappointment of his fans. The knee injury required surgery, but just as Kyrgios was gearing up for a potential return, a foot injury kept him out of the French Open. The final blow came with a serious wrist injury that demanded further surgical intervention and effectively ended his 2023 season after just one match. The setbacks tested Kyrgios’ resilience, but now, after months of rehabilitation and recovery, he feels ready to compete at the highest level once more.
During his absence from the court, Kyrgios found new ways to stay connected to the sport. He dabbled in broadcasting, lending his insights and colorful personality to ESPN, Eurosport, and the BBC. He also made a brief appearance at Patrick Mouratoglou’s Ultimate Tennis Showdown (UTS) in New York, giving fans a glimpse of his enduring passion for tennis. Despite these ventures, Kyrgios’ ultimate goal has always been a successful return to the competitive circuit, and Brisbane offers him the perfect stage for that comeback.
Tournament director Cam Pearson is thrilled to have Kyrgios back, highlighting the impact his presence will have on the event. “Nick Kyrgios, who will join fellow top-30 Australians Alexei Popyrin and Jordan Thompson in Brisbane this summer, adds genuine star power as a Grand Slam finalist and the 2018 Brisbane International champion,” Pearson said. “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 court showcasing his best tennis and entertaining the crowds in a way that only Nick can.”
Kyrgios will not be alone in the spotlight at Brisbane. The men’s field will feature defending champion Grigor Dimitrov, 2024 finalist Holger Rune, and the always-entertaining Gael Monfils, ensuring a highly competitive and entertaining tournament. On the women’s side, the WTA 500 event promises to be just as exciting, headlined by current world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, alongside top contenders Jessica Pegula and rising star Emma Navarro.
Kyrgios’ comeback also comes with strategic implications for his ranking. Currently unranked due to his extended absence, he will be able to utilize a protected ranking of world No. 21 as he works to re-establish himself on the ATP Tour. His focus for now is on staying healthy and building momentum as he sets his sights on a full return to competitive action in 2025.
For fans of the sport, Kyrgios’ return is a tantalizing prospect. Known for his electrifying play, powerful serve, and unpredictable on-court antics, he has always been a polarizing figure—simultaneously celebrated for his talent and criticized for his fiery temperament. As he prepares to step back onto the court, tennis enthusiasts will be watching closely, eager to see if Kyrgios can channel his passion and talent into a successful comeback.
In a sport often dominated by disciplined routines and predictability, Kyrgios remains a captivating wild card. Brisbane marks the first step in what could be a thrilling new chapter for him, one filled with challenges, potential triumphs, and plenty of intrigue. For now, he is focused on being back on court, fit and ready to compete, hoping to write another memorable page in his career while delighting fans in his homeland and beyond.