A grand slam triumph remains the last item on Nick Kyrgios’ to-do list, and Brisbane could be the scene of his mighty comeback to prominence.
The Australian tennis star has announced he intends to return from a two-year hiatus to treat knee, wrist and foot injuries at December’s World Tennis League in Abu Dhabi.
It has put him firmly in the sights of organisers for the Brisbane International, in the lead-up to the Australian Open.
Nick Kyrgios looms as a target for the Brisbane International.Credit: AP
Kyrgios’ first event since one appearance last June will occur from December 19-22, which would leave him a week to prepare for a homecoming at Pat Rafter Arena.
Former Australian tennis talent John Millman, an ambassador for the Brisbane International, said with Rafael Nadal joining Roger Federer and Andy Murray in retirement, players of Kyrgios’ character would be crucial to the sport’s future.
However, he was confident new champions would emerge to keep tennis in strong stead.
“Champion players come and go. Internationally, I think great champions come and go, but tennis lives on,” Millman said.
John Millman retired from tennis after the 2024 Australian Open.Credit: Getty Images
“I remember the doom and gloom days when Pete Sampras and your [Andre] Agassis were retiring and who was going to take up the mantle. All of a sudden, you’ve got the three greatest players in men’s tennis history come through.
“There is an incredible opportunity for this next crop of talent to come through, and hopefully, we see some future grand slam talent at the Brisbane International.
“Nick sometimes runs his own race, admittedly, but the word is that he’s looking forward to an Australian summer, so let’s hope he can keep his body right and prepare accordingly, and hopefully, we see him play on the tennis court.
“He’s still got a massive amount of firepower. I’ve been on the receiving end of that serve – it still is one of the best in the world.”
Brisbane International tournament director Cam Pearson confirmed a place would be available for Kyrgios for the December 29 to January 5 showcase, should he wish to take it.
Pearson announced men’s top 20 stars Frances Tiafoe and Holger Rune, along with women’s US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka and world No.4 Jessica Pegula for the forthcoming tournament.
Frances Tiafoe will line up in the 2025 Brisbane International.Credit: Getty Images
“We’d love to have Nick here in Brisbane – our 2017 champion does so much on and off the court for tennis, and he’s a real fan favourite,” he said.
“He enjoys playing out here, he would be someone who, if he wants to play the first week of the year, we would welcome him to Brisbane with open arms.
“We’re always hunting for the best players in the world to be here. The fans demand to have the best in the world here, and we’ve got another month or so until entries close.”
