Nick Kyrgios Backed to Shine on Australian Open Return

Nick Kyrgios, celebrated for his powerful serve and dynamic on-court presence, prepares to make his highly anticipated return to the Australian Open in January 2024. After a challenging year plagued by wrist and knee injuries, the 29-year-old will kick off his comeback at the Brisbane International on December 29 before competing at Melbourne Park starting January 12. Using a protected ranking, Kyrgios aims to make an impact in his first Australian Open appearance since withdrawing from the 2023 tournament.

Doubles partner and close friend Thanasi Kokkinakis expressed confidence in Kyrgios’s ability to return to top form. “It’s going to be great for tennis, great for fans in Australia and around the world,” Kokkinakis said. “He’s got a unique energy about him and is a hell of a player. People are going to love having him back.”

Kokkinakis highlighted Kyrgios’s exceptional serving ability as a key weapon in his return. “With that serve, you almost don’t need to play your best to stay competitive. If his body is in good condition, which I believe it is, he’s always a dangerous threat,” Kokkinakis added.

While their 2022 Australian Open doubles victory remains a fan favorite memory, both players are prioritizing singles competition this time. “Doubles was so much fun, and everyone loved it, but singles is definitely the goal,” Kokkinakis noted. “If you have a tough five-setter, the last thing you want to do is play doubles the next day. We’ll see how things go.”

Kokkinakis, ranked World No. 77, is also eyeing his own milestones, including a push to break into the Top 50 rankings and advance past the third round at the Australian Open for the first time. The 28-year-old said, ‘I feel like my tennis is right there with the top guys’. “I’ve got to keep working hard and not take my foot off the gas.”

For Kyrgios, the return represents a fresh opportunity to captivate fans and showcase his immense talent. With Kokkinakis and tennis enthusiasts rallying behind him, Kyrgios’s comeback promises to be one of the highlights of 2024 season.