Melbourne: Nick Kyrgios is a step closer to making a long‑awaited comeback, having confirmed he will play at the Kooyong Classic—an important exhibition that doubles as a warm‑up for the Australian Open.
The former Wimbledon finalist, now 30, spent months away from the tour battling a string of serious injuries that almost crashed his career. In 2025 he managed only five singles matches, with his last outing at the Miami Open in March.
At the moment ranked 666th and lacking a protected ranking, Kyrgios faces a tough road to enter official lead‑up events for the Australian Open. He’ll need wildcards not just for the warm‑ups but for the Slam itself as well.
However, those wildcards are expected to come easy. As the former Brisbane International champion who still pulls huge crowds to Melbourne Park, his explosive game and engaging personality make him one of the most marketable Australian players.
Beyond Kooyong, Kyrgios has already lined up several high‑profile exhibition matches before the end of 2025. The highlight is a “battle of the sexes” clash with reigning Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka on December 28 in Dubai, adding extra intrigue to his return story.
The Kooyong Classic is set to be a star‑filled event next year, headlined on the men’s side by Italian greats Flavio Cobolli and Matteo Berrettini, with world No. 8 Lorenzo Musetti also in the mix. This mix guarantees high‑quality tennis ahead of Melbourne Park.
The tournament, which had to skip this year because of operational issues, will run from January 13 to 15. Its timing—just three days before the Australian Open starts and a short trip along the Yarra River—makes it a perfect final tune‑up for players.
For Kyrgios, the Kooyong Classic means more than just practice; it’s a clear sign that he’s ready to fight for a spot among the sport’s elite once again.
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