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Will Kyrgios ever play grans slams again?
SEN • January 15th, 2026 11:44 am
Will we ever see Nick Kyrgios back in grand slam tennis?
Amid on going injury struggles, 31-year-old super star has turned down a wildcard entry into the Australian Open singles tournament citing the demands of five sets and the recovery they require as being a step too far.
He will instead focus on the doubles alongside best mate and compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis.
Kyrgios has not played consistently since he reached the quarter-finals of the US Open in 2022, the same year he played his maiden grand slam final – a defeat to Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon.
He has since undergone a complete wrist reconstruction as well as numerous knee surgeries in an effort to get himself fully fit.
Earlier this week Kyrgios spoke of the heartbreak he felt at not being able to play in front of his fans as often as he would like as well as the niggling possibility he may have already enjoyed the peak of his career.
So what will it take for the former world No 13 to get back to the top? Or will he continue down the path of exhibition matches and commentating?
“For him to play grand slam this year he needs a wildcard or to get his ranking down,” former world No 33 and fellow Australian John Millman told SEN Breakfast.
“To do that he needs to play on the tour.
“Through choice he has played exhibition matches.
“Tour and exhibition life are very different thigs. Nick has the level to get back on tour and play but he does need to get himself back playing consistently on the ATP tour.
“It’s about conditioning and match fitness and toughness against professionals. I think if Nick’s body is right and mentally he is ready to go, he will jump back on the tour and be competing.”
The Australian Open main draw will get started this Sunday with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz the outright favourites in the men's draw.
What does their rise to to the top mean for Djokovic who is contesting his 21st Aus Open and looking for a 25th grand slam title?
"It's crazy really, two-and-a-half years ago I would have bet my house to say he would win 25," Millman continued.
"The last time he earmarked out a tournament was the Olympic Games but you have to remember that was the best of three not five.
"Novak has had an incredible career but these young guys over five can go all day. You can see it’s a real challenge for him but never write off a champion but he’s definitely not one of my favourites to win."
