SYDNEY: Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has revealed a sudden improvement in his long-term knee injury, giving him renewed hope of returning to Grand Slam action at the Australian Open.
The 2022 Wimbledon finalist, who has dropped to 652nd in the world after playing only six matches in three years due to wrist and knee injuries, described his recent recovery as almost miraculous. “I have a new lease on life on court,” Kyrgios told the Australian Associated Press.
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Kyrgios, 30, said earlier this year he had little hope of competing again at the Australian Open, but recent sessions with his masseuse and physiotherapist have left him feeling physically stronger and pain-free.
To prepare for a potential Grand Slam comeback, he will participate in a series of exhibition matches, including games against Ben Shelton at the Atlanta Cup on December 6, Tommy Paul at Madison Square Garden on December 8, and Aryna Sabalenka in a “Battle of the Sexes” match in Dubai on December 28.
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If all goes well, Kyrgios hopes to compete at Melbourne Park when the Australian Open begins on January 12, aiming to return to the level that saw him reach a career-high singles ranking of 13th in 2016.