Nick Kyrgios has opened up about the severity of the wrist injury that sidelined him and how it forced him to relearn the simplest of tasks after undergoing surgery. In an emotional reflection on his arduous recovery journey, the 29-year-old Australian, known for his electrifying talent and flamboyant personality on the tennis court, revealed that a few powerful words from Novak Djokovic served as a major catalyst for his comeback.
Kyrgios’ troubles began in early 2023 when he underwent surgery to address a knee injury. Determined to return in time for the grass-court swing—a surface where his explosive serve and dynamic play often shine—Kyrgios rejoined the tour earlier than expected. However, his ambitious return at the Stuttgart Open proved to be a setback, as he suffered a serious wrist injury during his first match back. This new blow effectively ended his season, leaving him in a state of uncertainty and frustration.
Reflecting on those months, Kyrgios admitted that missing out on the remainder of the 2023 season was not the most difficult part of his ordeal. The real challenge came from the severity of the wrist injury itself. “It wasn’t just about not playing,” he said. “The pain was excruciating, and it got to a point where I couldn’t do basic things.” Desperate for a solution, Kyrgios underwent a secret surgery in Australia, seeking out one of the top wrist surgeons in the country. The procedure was extensive, leaving him with “four holes” in his hand, and post-surgery complications caused his fingers to swell, resembling “sausages,” as he described it.
The recovery process was grueling. Kyrgios had to relearn how to use his wrist—a daunting challenge for any professional athlete, but especially for a player whose power and finesse depend so heavily on precise wrist movements. For months, the idea of returning to competitive tennis seemed distant, if not impossible.
However, Kyrgios’ fortunes took a turn during this year’s Wimbledon. While he wasn’t competing, he served as a commentator, immersing himself in the tennis world once again. It was there that he crossed paths with Novak Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion and a frequent rival on the court. The two shared a practice session that Kyrgios now credits as a pivotal moment in his recovery journey. After hitting with the Australian, Djokovic offered words of encouragement that resonated deeply. “I was hitting with Novak, and he said to me, ‘It doesn’t look like you’ve had surgery.’ That was a big motivation,” Kyrgios recalled. “It made me feel like maybe I was actually making progress, even when I doubted it myself. If he hadn’t said that, I don’t know if I would have been motivated to keep pushing.”
Djokovic’s words sparked a renewed drive within Kyrgios. He committed himself fully to the recovery process, determined to prove to himself and the tennis world that he could make a comeback. Now, after months of rehabilitation, he is set to make his return to the court at the Brisbane International, scheduled for December 29 to January 5. The tournament marks a full-circle moment for Kyrgios, who first appeared in Brisbane as an 18-year-old qualifier in 2013, and later reached the main draw in 2018, claiming the title that year.
Kyrgios expressed excitement and optimism about his comeback. “Honestly, this is probably the best I’ve felt in two years,” he told Nine News following the announcement of his return. “I played that amazing year in 2022, making the finals at Wimbledon and going deep at the US Open. But that’s when the issues with my wrist really started. After the reconstruction surgery, I was told there was only a 15% chance I’d return to playing at this level. Now, I’m feeling amazing. I can’t wait to be back out there in front of the home fans.”
Kyrgios is fully aware of the significance of his return. While he will undoubtedly seek to compete at a high level and possibly replicate his success from past years, his focus remains on playing his best tennis and seeing how far his renewed physical condition can take him. “My ultimate goal is to get back to my best and try to win a Grand Slam,” he shared in a recent interview.
As he prepares for his fourth appearance in Brisbane, Kyrgios hopes for a strong showing in front of the home crowd. For him, this comeback represents more than just a return to competition—it’s a testament to his resilience and a new chapter in his rollercoaster journey. And with renewed determination and encouragement from one of the sport’s greatest champions, the Australian star is ready to make every moment count. Whether he captures victory or simply regains his footing, Kyrgios’ return is a compelling story of determination, grit, and a desire to reclaim his place among tennis’ elite.