Nick Kyrgios has returned to the ATP Tour.
The Australian enigma ended a six-month absence from the circuit when he competed at the Stuttgart Open last week.
Kyrgios began the event in fine form, defeating eighth seed Corentini Moutet 6-3, 6-4.
His Stuttgart campaign then came to an end against Japan’s Sho Shimabukuro, who defeated the former Wimbledon finalist 4-6, 7-6, 6-4 on Centre Court.
Kyrgios is competing in Halle this week, where he will look to strengthen his case for receiving a Wimbledon wildcard.
You’re the Wimbledon tournament director… which TWO of these players are you giving a wildcard to?
Greg Rusedski says Nick Kyrgios does not deserve a Wimbledon wildcard
In many previous years, Nick Kyrgios would have been a lock to receive one of the eight wildcards for the Wimbledon Men’s Singles main draw.
However, this year, Kyrgios is competing against a host of notable ATP stars for one of the eight spots.
Stan Wawrinka, Grigor Dimitrov and Matteo Berrettini are all also looking to receive wildcards for the event.
With Wimbledon likely to hand out the majority of their wildcards to British players, Kyrgios’ hopes of playing in the main draw have been left in jeopardy.
Greg Rusedski has discussed the matter following Kyrgios’ performance in Stuttgart.
“The big debate right now is will Nick Kyrgios get a wildcard in the main draw, qualies or will they say no?” Rusedski, the former British number one, said on the ‘Off Court with Greg‘ podcast.
“That’s where Mr Henman has a job to decide what to do.
“I am not sure he deserves the main draw wildcard, qualies would be more suffice. But I am glad I don’t have to make the decision!
“The guy is immensely talented. I watched his first match from start to finish,” Rusedski added.
Nick Kyrgios’ Wimbledon record
- 2014 – Quarter-finals
- 2015 – Fourth round
- 2016 – Fourth round
- 2017 – First round
- 2018 – Third round
- 2019 – Second round
- 2021 – Third round
- 2022 – Runner-up
“He served 84 per cent of first serves and still has one of the best serves in the business.
“He has unbelievable feel and hands but the question is does he have enough reps and is he physically strong enough for three out of five sets?
“It’s one thing to play two out of three sets but another to play five. He’s still a big draw in the men’s game because of the controversies, but has he done enough work?
“That is where Wimbledon is going to make a difficult decision. I am probably favouring that he will get it in qualies.
“I would be surprised if he gets a main draw wildcard, but he is still one of the biggest draws in tennis.”
Nick Kyrgios’ last appearance at Wimbledon
Kyrgios has not competed at Wimbledon since reaching the final in 2022.
That year, Kyrgios defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas and Cristian Garin on his way to the championship match, where he was ultimately defeated by Novak Djokovic in four sets.
“It is tough to find consolation words at a moment like this but you showed why you are one of the best players in the world,” Djokovic said to Kyrgios during his post-match remarks.
“I wish you all the best. I respect you a lot and you are a phenomenal talent.
“I never thought I would say so many nice things about you! OK, it’s official: it is a bromance.”
Since then, Kyrgios has battled a multitude of physical issues.
After his most recent win in Stuttgart, Kyrgios reflected on his long journey back to full fitness.
“I had a wrist reconstruction, I’ve had four knee surgeries, so I’m really battling, but at the same time I’ve put in a lot of work, I’m really feeling good about myself,” he said after beating Corentin Moutet.
“Honestly, there were so many times I was thinking: ‘Why am I playing? What more do I need to do?’ And I look at you guys and this is why I’m playing, so I’ll hang around a little longer.
“I’m pleased with the way I played today, I’m pleased with the way I’m feeling in my body, I’ve been putting in a lot of work so I’m just really happy to be back.”
