Is Kyrgios Making a Comeback on the ATP Tour in Brisbane?

Nick Kyrgios, the Australian tennis star, is poised to make his long-awaited return to competitive play after a 10-month hiatus, thanks to a wildcard entry for the upcoming Brisbane International. Following a challenging period marred by injuries and a significant drop in his world ranking, Kyrgios aims to regain his form ahead of the Australian Open. His return to the tennis scene includes an exhibition match against women's world number one Aryna Sabalenka, which has sparked mixed reactions among fans and analysts alike.

Last updated: 28 December 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Nick Kyrgios is preparing to play his first ATP Tour match since March 2025, following a series of injuries that limited him to just five singles matches this year. His recent struggles culminated in a second-round exit at the Miami Open against Karen Khachanov. To mark his return, Kyrgios will participate in a high-profile exhibition match against Aryna Sabalenka, which will be broadcast live on BBC One on 28 December 2023. This match has stirred a debate regarding the implications of "Battle of the Sexes" events in contemporary sport.

Key takeaways

Kyrgios is returning to the ATP Tour after a 10-month absence.
He has received a wildcard entry for the Brisbane International.
The exhibition match against Sabalenka has sparked polarising opinions.
His world ranking has plummeted to 673 due to injuries.
Kyrgios aims to compete in the Australian Open, pending further wildcard approvals.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey of Nick Kyrgios leading up to his anticipated return involves several key dates:

January 2022: Kyrgios reaches the Australian Open first round, his last Grand Slam match until 2023.
March 2025: He faces Karen Khachanov in the second round of the Miami Open, marking his last competitive match.
28 December 2023: Exhibition match against Aryna Sabalenka, aiming to boost his visibility and readiness for competitive play.
January 2024: Participation in the Kooyong Classic prior to the Australian Open.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Kyrgios' participation in the exhibition match against Sabalenka represents a significant moment in his comeback journey. It is designed not only to showcase his skills but also to engage with a broader audience, especially following his lengthy absence from competitive tennis.

What was already established

Kyrgios has consistently faced challenges due to injuries over recent years, which have severely impacted his competitive presence. His world ranking has suffered dramatically, and he has been unable to secure a protected ranking, necessitating wildcards for future tournaments.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The exhibition match is set to attract significant viewership, potentially increasing interest in tennis among UK audiences. As Kyrgios is a polarising figure, his return could influence attendance and viewership figures for upcoming tournaments, including the Australian Open.

Businesses and jobs

Kyrgios' return may stimulate interest in the sports sector, potentially benefiting local businesses associated with tennis events. The anticipation around his matches could lead to increased job opportunities in event management and sports marketing.

Policy and regulation

The ongoing discussions regarding the format of "Battle of the Sexes" matches may prompt further examination by sports governing bodies, particularly concerning equality and representation in sport. This could lead to new guidelines for exhibition matches moving forward.

Numbers that matter

673: Kyrgios' current ATP world ranking, a significant drop from his previous standings.
10 months: Duration of his absence from the ATP Tour.
5: Total number of singles matches played by Kyrgios in 2025.
28 December 2023: Scheduled date for the exhibition match against Sabalenka.
1: Number of Grand Slam matches played by Kyrgios since 2022.

Definitions and jargon buster

ATP: Association of Tennis Professionals, the governing body of men's professional tennis.
Wildcard: An entry granted to a player who does not qualify through standard criteria, allowing them to participate in a tournament.
Battle of the Sexes: A sporting event where male and female athletes compete against each other, often sparking discussions about gender equality in sports.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Kyrgios will focus on his exhibition match and the Brisbane International as key milestones for his comeback. His performance in these events will be crucial for building momentum.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Looking ahead to the Australian Open in January 2024, Kyrgios needs to demonstrate his fitness and competitive level. Success in these upcoming matches could reinstate him as a prominent figure in men’s tennis.

Signals to watch

Match performance in the exhibition and Brisbane International.
Public and media response to his return.
Potential wildcards for the Australian Open and subsequent tournaments.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay updated on Kyrgios' match schedule and performance.
Watch the exhibition match to gain insights into his potential comeback.
Support local tennis events to bolster community engagement.

Don’t

Underestimate Kyrgios' ability to make a rapid comeback.
Dismiss the importance of exhibition matches in building player confidence.
Ignore discussions about gender equality and representation in sports.

Checklist

Follow Kyrgios’ progress leading up to the Brisbane International.
Engage with tennis communities online and offline.
Stay informed about policy changes regarding exhibition matches in tennis.
Watch for updates on wildcard entries for major tournaments.
Consider supporting initiatives promoting gender equality in sports.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Kyrgios' return is highly anticipated, there are uncertainties surrounding his physical fitness and readiness for competitive matches after a long absence. His past injuries may pose risks to his performance, and public reception of his exhibition match could vary widely. Additionally, the impact of ongoing discussions about gender equality in sports may influence future exhibition formats.

Bottom line

Nick Kyrgios' return to competitive tennis is a pivotal moment for both him and the sport, especially in light of his recent struggles. With key matches approaching, tennis fans in the UK are keen to see how he reintegrates into the competitive landscape, particularly through the polarising exhibition match against Aryna Sabalenka. How Kyrgios performs in the coming weeks could reshape his career trajectory and influence ongoing discussions about gender equality in sports.

FAQs

What is Nick Kyrgios' current ranking?

Kyrgios is currently ranked 673 in the ATP standings, a significant drop due to his prolonged absence from the tour.

When is Kyrgios’ next match?

His next match is an exhibition against Aryna Sabalenka on 28 December 2023, followed by the Brisbane International.

What does Kyrgios need to do to play in the Australian Open?

Kyrgios will need to secure a wildcard entry to participate in the Australian Open, given his current ranking and lack of a protected ranking.