“I know it’s been a long time but my body is finally ready to get back out there,” is what Nick Kyrgios had said prior to his comeback announcement. However, his journey back to the court hasn’t exactly gone as planned. After playing his first doubles match alongside Novak Djokovic, Kyrgios had to pull out of the next exhibition match due to an abdominal strain. Talk about a tricky situation so close to the Australian Open! While he shared this news, he reassured fans that he’s taking the time to rest and recover so he can be ready for the Grand Slam.

Skipping the chance to play at the exhibition called ‘A Night With Novak’ might have helped Kyrgios avoid further injury, but now he is gearing up for what could be a tough battle in Melbourne. In his first match at AO, he’ll face Jacob Fearnley, a rising star who’s been making quite a name for himself lately. But is he truly a threat to the Aussie?

Meet Jacob Fearnley, Britain’s up-and-coming champ

Fearnley’s journey in tennis has been quite the ride! He started out in Worcester but moved to Dalkeith, where his talent really began to shine. After honing his skills at Merchiston Castle School, he headed off to Texas Christian University (TCU) in the U.S., where he made a big splash by leading the team to its first NCAA Championship since 1983.

Now, Fearnley is gearing up for an exciting moment in his career: his first Grand Slam match at the Australian Open, where he’ll be facing off against Nick Kyrgios. It’s a huge deal for the young Scot, who has skyrocketed from world No. 1,893 to No. 98 in just a year! Just six months ago, he was juggling university life and tennis, but now he’s officially broken into the ATP top 100 after dominating the Challenger Tour with an impressive 23-1 record in 2024. Plus, let’s not forget that he made headlines by taking a set off Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon last year!

With all this momentum on his side, Fearnley is pumped to test his skills against Kyrgios, especially in front of a home crowd that will likely be cheering for the Aussie.

It’s a clash between a rising star and a home favorite

Fearnley knows it won’t be an easy match. He joked that facing Kyrgios in Australia is “not a match you want to see in Australia,” given the intense atmosphere he’ll be up against. But he’s ready for the challenge. Having honed his game in college tennis in the U.S., he’s used to tough environments. He sees this as a dream opportunity and is eager to see how he measures up against one of tennis’s most colorful characters.

Kyrgios, on the other hand, may face a tough challenge. After missing over two years of Grand Slam action due to knee, foot, and wrist injuries, his body is still getting used to the intense competition that comes with the sport. And a Grand Slam is no smooth ride. While some might think facing an unseeded player is a cakewalk, Kyrgios has a lot on his plate.

His body is still adjusting to the rigors of competitive tennis after such a long break, and let’s be real—Grand Slam matches are no joke. Competing under a protected ranking of No. 21 adds another layer of pressure as he navigates his way back into top form. But Kyrgios is no stranger to overcoming obstacles; he’s determined to make a statement in Melbourne and prove that he’s still a force to be reckoned with.

As both players prepare for their first-round clash, Fearnley is focused on enjoying the moment while also respecting Kyrgios’s talent. He understands that this match could be crucial for establishing himself on the ATP Tour, and he’s determined to keep riding the wave of his recent success. Should Krygios be worried about his first matchup against a rising star like Jacob? Share your thoughts in the comments below!