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NICK KYRGIOS says he is unsure whether he will be fit enough to compete at the Australian Open after his first singles match in 18 months left him in “throbbing” pain.
The 29-year-old Australian feared he would not be able to resume his career following surgery on a wrist injury in September 2023.
After making his competitive comeback in the Brisbane doubles alongside Novak Djokovic, Kyrgios returned to the singles court on Tuesday with a narrow defeat by huge-serving Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.
Kyrgios showed plenty of positive signs as he was edged out 7-6 (7-2) 6-7 (4-7) 7-6 (7-3) by the 21-year-old Frenchman.
But there was also concern as he had treatment on the right wrist where he ruptured the scapholunate ligament and needed reconstructive surgery.
“After today I’m super excited for the Australian Open. If I’m able to play, I’m able to play. But the reality kind of set in for me,” said Kyrgios.
“That’s a best-of-three match with my wrist. If I’m able to [play], not only is a Grand Slam mentally really draining, it’s physically a grind.
“I think I almost need a miracle, and I need, like, the stars to align for my wrist to hold up in a Grand Slam for sure.”
The Australian Open in Melbourne starts on January 12.
Backed again by an exuberant and partisan home crowd, Kyrgios showed plenty of the talent which enabled him to reach the Wimbledon final in 2022.
The former world number 13, who won in the doubles alongside one-time nemesis Djokovic on Monday, showed the injury problems have not weakened his serve — which has always been one of his biggest assets. Kyrgios did not drop a service game against the 31st-ranked Mpetshi Perricard, saving the two break points which he faced. — BBC.
Online Reporter