Nick Kyrgios to Return for Kooyong Classic Ahead of Australian Open

Former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios registered for the Kooyong Classic on Tuesday, suggesting that the injury-plagued star intends to make a competitive return at the Australian Open.

The maverick 30-year-old Australian has been absent from the ATP Tour since March and has hardly played over the past three years due to a series of knee and wrist surgeries that threatened his career.

Currently ranked 666th in the world and lacking a protected ranking, Kyrgios will require wild cards to enter any ATP warm-up tournaments leading up to the Australian Open, as well as the Grand Slam itself.

Wildcards are likely to be granted upon request, given Kyrgios’ status as a former champion of the Brisbane International and a consistent fan favourite at Melbourne Park.

Kyrgios also has multiple exhibition events planned leading up to this, such as the 2025 World Tennis League in India in December and an anticipated “Battle of the Sexes” match in Dubai against women’s world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.

Next year’s Kooyong Classic will feature several strong Italian players, including Davis Cup stars Flavio Cobolli and Matteo Berrettini, as well as world No. 8 Lorenzo Musetti, all confirmed for the men’s lineup.

The exhibition tournament, which was not held this year due to operational challenges, is scheduled to take place from January 13 to 15, just three days before the Grand Slam season begins, at Melbourne Park.

Earlier this month, Kyrgios, a former Wimbledon finalist, told the press that his long-standing knee injury had improved significantly, igniting hopes of a possible comeback.