MELBOURNE: Former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios has taken a significant step toward a long-awaited comeback by signing up for the Kooyong Classic, signalling his intention to compete at next year’s Australian Open. The 30-year-old Australian, whose career has been derailed by persistent injuries, has played only five singles matches in the 2025 season, with his last appearance coming at the Miami Open in March.
Now ranked 666th in the world and without a protected ranking, Kyrgios will require wildcards to enter ATP warm-up events as well as the Australian Open itself. Given his status as a former Brisbane International champion and a fan favourite at Melbourne Park, those wildcards are expected to be granted if he seeks them.
Kyrgios is also set to feature in several exhibition matches before the year’s end, including a much-publicised “battle of the sexes” showdown against Aryna Sabalenka in Dubai on Dec. 28.
Next year’s Kooyong Classic will boast a strong Italian presence, with Davis Cup stars Flavio Cobolli and Matteo Berrettini, along with world number eight Lorenzo Musetti, confirmed in the men’s line-up — adding further intrigue to Kyrgios’s high-profile return to the court.
