Nick Kyrgios Admits Challenges in Making a Successful Comeback to Professional Tennis
Former Wimbledon Finalist Struggles with Injuries and Unranked Status
After more than a year away from professional tennis, Nick Kyrgios acknowledges that “the stars have to align a little bit” for him to make a triumphant return. The 2022 Wimbledon finalist, who has been sidelined since September last year due to knee and wrist issues, remains determined to make a comeback despite his current unranked status.
Kyrgios underwent knee surgery in January and had to abandon his plans to return at Wimbledon after tearing a ligament in his right wrist. Last week, he revealed that it would be nearly a month before he could remove the splint from his serving forearm. This candid admission of needing some luck comes as a significant blow to his fans.
While commentating on the ATP Finals in Italy, Kyrgios expressed optimism that he could follow in the footsteps of Alexander Zverev, the former world No. 2 who successfully returned to the top 10 after suffering an ankle injury at last year’s French Open.
“The stars have to align a little bit,” Kyrgios told the Tennis Channel. “And with Zverev, he’s an incredibly hard worker. That’s his reputation. He ticks all the boxes, and if someone like that can come back from an injury like that, I think that’s what I have to draw inspiration from for sure.”
In addition to reaching his first-ever grand slam final at the All England Club, Kyrgios also made it to the quarter-finals of the US Open for the first time last year. The 28-year-old attributes his strong performance in the 2022 season as the driving force behind his desire to make a successful comeback.
“After last year, I had such a great season, and I’m so hungry to get back out there,” Kyrgios said. “So I’m doing everything I can to recover and return. Despite the daily challenges of rehab and gym work, being here and witnessing the upcoming match between Zverev and Daniil Medvedev only intensifies my eagerness to step back onto the court.”