Australian Open Threat Looms Large for Nick Kyrgios as Health Woes Continue to Haunt Him Days Ahead of the Event

“Probably the best I’ve felt in two years,” said an excited Nick Kyrgios just days ahead of his highly-anticipated return on the tour. After being away from the court for around 18 months, the Aussie maverick made his comeback to tennis at the World Tennis League in Abu Dhabi, before starting the 2025 season at the Brisbane International. However, just days before the start of the Australian Open, Kyrgios’ dream could be shattered!

Interestingly, at the Brisbane International, Kyrgios teamed up with Novak Djokovic for the doubles. While the two managed to make it past the first round, they could not advance further. Nick Kyrgios also played the singles where he suffered a narrow 7-6, 6-7, 7-6 defeat to Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the first round. Apart from the defeat, there were concerning signs as well. Kyrgios received treatment on his right wrist, where he had previously ruptured the scapholunate ligament and undergone reconstructive surgery.

Following his defeat against Perricard, the Aussie said, “After today I’m super excited for the Australian Open. 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.”

Now, a recent revelation has raised further doubts over Kyrgios’ participation in the first grand slam of the year. Taking to his Instagram, he posted a story where he suggested that he would be missing the exhibition event (where he was supposed to play with Novak Djokovic). “Unfortunately won’t be able to play my good friend @djokernole this Thursday on the 9th as I’ve had an ultrasound on my abdominal and have a grade 1 strain. Will be resting and doing everything I can to be ok by the AusOpen,” wrote Kyrgios in his story.

Nick Kyrgios has not played at the Australian Open since 2022 and this was the first time in around 3 years that he could have played. Already a winner of the Australian Open as a junior in 2013, and a doubles champion with Thannasi Kokkinakis in 2022, this place holds special importance for him. His absence would be a huge void for the fans.

While Kyrgios has been able to make his comeback, there was a time when he was told by his surgeon it might not be possible for him to ever step foot on the court again.

Nick Kyrgios was told that he might never play tennis

Nick Kyrgios revealed the harsh reality of his injury, as he stated, “The injury I had was brutal. The surgeon said I probably wouldn’t be able to play again.” However, the Australian tennis star refused to give up. “I said whatever, just try and get me another two to three years of my career,” Kyrgios added.

The 29-year-old shared his struggles over the past few years but emphasized his love for the game. “It’s been a brutal last couple of years, but just being out there to play in front of a home crowd … I just want to be out there, lighting up the crowd and playing in front of my own country,” Kyrgios remarked.

The Aussie is determined to make the most of his comeback. “My only motivation to come back and play is to try and win a grand slam, and I’ll give it one more shot,” he further added.

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley also expressed his excitement for Kyrgios’ return. “We love to have Nick coming back playing in 2025 … He’s back out there practicing,” Tiley said.

Thus, with the Australian Open all set to start on the 12th of January, the question is: will Nick Kyrgios be able to make it in time for the Australian Open? What do you think?