Telling Nick Kyrgios act amid fresh injury blow at Brisbane International

It was a very different Nick Kyrgios that stepped out onto the court at the Brisbane International as a new reality set in.

Tennis fans didn’t get the Nick Kyrgios show they expected when they tuned in for his singles return at the Brisbane International.

In his first singles match on the main tour since mid-last year, the 29-year-old went a gruelling two-and-a-half hard hours against big-serving Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.

In the end, the Aussie was outgunned 7-6, 6-7, 7-6 as his troublesome wrist again flared up and plunged his Australian Open tilt into doubt.

And while it was a tough end to what was a promising return for the Aussie, fans were treated to a side of Kyrgios they haven’t seen in many years.

Several high-quality rallies entertained the New Year’s Eve crowd, but Kyrgios’ patented theatrics were hardly present.

The 29-year-old was laser-focused from the time he stepped out onto the court and despite looking a little lost on how to deal with his big serving counterpart and in clear discomfort, he dug in and gave his all, something that is far more promising for what is to come than if he was his usual brash, flashy self and pulled out the win.

Nick Kyrgios gave it his all but ultimately came up short in his return to singles action at the Brisbane International. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

While on Monday night we saw Kyrgios the entertainer, as he pulled out trick shots and wild celebrations alongside tennis great Novak Djokovic in a fun and entertaining doubles clash, on Tuesday evening Kyrgios couldn’t have been more different.

Even with the occasional theatrics – something that is always present in a Kyrgios match – the player that took to the court on New Year’s Eve was as sharp as anyone could have hoped for against a little-known but incredibly tough opponent, especially for a player who is undoubtedly rusty.

The 21-year-old Mpetshi Perricard is ranked 31 in the world but is on track to be one of the premier players on the ATP Tour in the coming years.

The big serving Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard was too much for Nick Kyrgios to handle. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

The Frenchman is powerful and has one of the best serves to tour.

So despite Kyrgios being not able to get the win he so desperately craved, the 29-year-old was understandably happy with his showing.

“For me, honestly, it was a great match, considering I hadn’t played in 18 months,” Kyrgios said.

“And to put myself in a winning position was exciting. 

“It was just good to be back out there and to say that, you know, I can still play a level against someone like that who is coming off the best year of their career and only getting better and confident.”

Nick Kyrgios admits he may not make the Australian Open after his wrist flared up on his return to singles tennis. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

However, in a worrying sign ahead of the Australian Open, Kyrgios was seen struggling with his wrist and the Aussie firebrand admitted after the match that it is a realistic possibility that he won’t make it to Melbourne Park.

Kyrgios had surgery right wrist in 2023 and the injury has kept him sidelined for the best part of 18 months.

In the lead-up to the Brisbane International, the 2022 Wimbledon finalist said he has been working with his physio for up to four hours a day in preparation for his comeback.

And while Kyrgios still plans to take the court in Melbourne in less than a fortnight’s time, he admits there is a chance his body simply won’t allow him to.

“I was really excited for the Aus Open, but after today … obviously I’m [still] super excited. If I’m able to play, I’m able to play. But the reality kind of set in to me,” Kyrgios said after his loss on Tuesday.

“(Brisbane International is) a best-of-three [sets] match with my wrist. Not only is a grand slam mentally really draining, like you’re there for two-and-a-half, three weeks [but] it’s, like, physically a grind.

“It’s one of the hardest things to do in any sport, is win a grand slam in men’s tennis.

“I think I almost need a miracle, and I need the stars to align for my wrist to hold up in a grand slam, for sure.

“Today, if this was a grand slam, we may still be out on court, and I don’t know how I’d pull up the next day or the day after.”

Kyrgios will play his second-round Brisbane doubles match alongside Novak Djokovic on Wednesday.

Originally published as Telling Nick Kyrgios act amid fresh injury blow at Brisbane International