French Open Entry List Confirms Nick Kyrgios’ Return After Eight Years

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Vivek Devane | Last updated May 15, 2025 8:07 AM ET

In a shock return to Paris, Nick Kyrgios will end his eight-year exile at the French Open, but not in the form of singles. The Australian star one will team up for doubles in the tournament with countryman Jordan Thompson, his first Paris appearance since 2017.

The move, according to the official entry list, comes as Kyrgios returns to the Grand Slam on clay, which he has shunned in the past. Renowned for his public views on the grueling nature of clay-court tennis and his love of faster surfaces, Kyrgios last played at the French Open in 2017 and frequently has avoided the event altogether.

While not committed to the singles draw, Kyrgios would require a wildcard to play at this point — and nothing to that effect had been forthcoming. However, his comeback in doubles is an important step toward his step-by-step return to the tour after several months off with injury.

Kyrgios and Thompson are also to team up at Wimbledon later in the summer, potentially making this French Open appearance a warm-up for a full-on attack on the grass.

For his fans, Kyrgios' return — even in doubles — will be a blessing. His style, volatility, and raw talent have made him one of the sport's most watchable players, and his return to Roland Garros, if only in altered form, is another twist to add to this year's tournament.

Though it is not the complete Grand Slam singles return that most expected, Kyrgios' return to Paris following close to a decade away will certainly garner notice — and maybe even illuminate the doubles draw in characteristic Kyrgios style.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: