Nick Kyrgios outlines his goals as he prepares for return to court
Nick Kyrgios will use the upcoming UTS exhibition tournament in New York to gauge where his physical condition and game are at as he contemplates a return to ATP Tour action.
Kyrgios has endured a run of injuries that have caused him to pull out of several attempts to come back to the game.
He last played singles on the ATP Tour at the 2022 Japan Open when he reached the last eight before withdrawing from a scheduled match against Taylor Fritz.
Kyrgios was slated to compete and represent Australia in the first United Cup to kick off his 2023 season. However, he withdrew on the eve of the event due to an ankle ailment.
As a precaution ahead of the Australian Open, Kyrgios then withdrew from the Adelaide International 2 tournament the following week.
Kyrgios faced Novak Djokovic in a Fast4 exhibition match at Rod Laver Arena on 13 January 2023. To a sold-out audience, Kyrgios upset Djokovic in three sets.
A few days later, on the eve of the Australian Open in 2023, Kyrgios pulled out of the competition because of a knee injury.
He disclosed that he would need arthroscopic surgery later that month to remove a cyst that was brought on by a rupture in his lateral meniscus.
Withdrawing from many tournaments. Kyrios was scheduled to return for the French Open, but he sustained a foot injury during an armed robbery at his house.
He then prepared for Wimbledon in June 2023, but during a practice session, he tore a ligament in his wrist.
He missed the remainder of 2023 due to injuries and has indicated that he planned to return for the 2024 grass season.
That return did not materialise though and Kyrgios appeared to be preparing for life after tennis taking on media engagements and commentary duties.
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Kyrgios wants to see if he can still hang with top players and will get his chance against Casper Ruud in New York.
He begged the Norwegian to take it easy on him when they meet at the UTS exhibition.
“I know it’s been a long time,” Kyrgios announced on social media.
“But my body is finally ready to get back on the field and have some fun. I’m going to see if I can still compete against some of the best players in the world, starting with my old rival, Casper Ruud. Casper, please go easy on me. I can’t wait to get out there, in front of all these amazing fans, and hope that I can still bring some life to the game.”
