Nick Kyrgios’ return to the ATP Tour was confirmed on Saturday by the Brisbane International tournament.
The Australian, a finalist at the 2022 Wimbledon Championships, has not played competitively on the Tour since the Miami Open in March.
In fact, Kyrgios has struggled to stay on the court for the majority of the past three years due to injury issues with his knee and wrist.
What would be a successful season for Nick Kyrgios in 2026?
Kyrgios, the former world number 13, competed at four ATP events this year, winning just one of his five matches.
The enigmatic character first travelled to Brisbane at the start of this year, where he took on Giovanni Mpetshi-Perricard in the first round.
Nick Kyrgios lost both his matches in Australia at the start of 2025
It has been a disappointing campaign for the 30-year-old, who again struggled with injury issues throughout the ATP Tour campaign.
The Australian began the year in Brisbane, losing to big-serving Giovanni Mpetshi-Perricard 7-6, 6-7, 7-6.
Kyrgios’ tiebreak woes continued at the Australian Open: he lost 7-6, 6-3, 7-6 to British star Jacob Fearnley in the first round.
Two months later, Kyrgios was back on the court in California. The star was forced to retire from his first round match against Botic van de Zandschulp in Indian Wells while trailing 7-6, 3-0.
Two weeks later, Kyrgios competed in Miami. In the ‘sunny state’ of Florida, Kyrgios defeated Mackenzie MacDonald 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the first round.
He then lost to Karen Khachanov in straight sets: 7-6, 6-0.
Should Nick Kyrgios receive an Australian Open wildcard?
Who do you think should receive a wild card for the 2026 Australian Open?
There are two key strands of argument when discussing whether the Australian should receive an Australian Open wildcard.
The naysayers will point to Kyrgios’ ranking. The former Wimbledon finalist is now ranked 673 in the world and has barely competed on the Tour this year – why should he receive special treatment?
However, Kyrgios is an entertainer, and when it is all said and done, his presence will bring fans to Melbourne.
Fans want to see the stars play, and regardless of Kyrgios’ ranking, he is a star of the sport.
Therefore, he should receive a wildcard for the first major of the year.
