Frances Tiafoe says what he thinks of Nick Kyrgios ahead of a potential clash in the second round at the Brisbane International

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Frances Tiafoe has shared his excitement ahead of a potential match against Nick Kyrgios at the Brisbane International.

Kyrgios takes on Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the round of 32 of the Brisbane International, with Tiafoe playing Adam Walton.

But the American could take on another Australian in Kyrgios in round two, with the latter returning from a lengthy spell out with various injuries.

Along with singles, Kyrgios is playing doubles with Novak Djokovic, with the pair taking on Alexander Erler and Andreas Mies in the round of 32.

The Australian is back on the ATP Tour after undergoing wrist surgery, having last played at the 2023 Stuttgart Open.

Frances Tiafoe says why Nick Kyrgios is ‘crucial’ ahead of potential match

His next opponent meanwhile also returns ahead of the Australian Open, having recently played an exhibition match against Carlos Alcaraz.

Tiafoe loved playing Alcaraz at the Charlotte Invitational, with the world number 18 now excited for a potential match against Kyrgios in Brisbane.

Asked in his Brisbane International press conference what it would mean to play him, Tiafoe said: “That would be sick.

READ MORE: What Nick Kyrgios said about Novak Djokovic years ago that he now completely disagrees with

“I think the whole tournament would look forward to that. I mean, me and Nick are great friends. We had one match where we played in DC where he beat me at home.

“I’d have to return the favour if we played here. I had a crazy amount of match points, lost. I think it’s good for the sport to have match-ups like that.

“Obviously he puts so many asses in seats. So do I. We have a great rapport. It would be great to compete against him, see how his form is.

“But also him just playing the sport. Whether you like it or not, it’s great for the sport. However you feel about him, you’re going to watch him play. Gives more views to the game. Guys like him are crucial.”

What is the head-to-head record between Nick Kyrgios and Frances Tiafoe?

There will perhaps be a long list of players lining up to take on Kyrgios, while there will be others who will want to avoid him on the court.

It remains to be seen what level he can reach after his injury issues, with the Australian having once climbed to 13th in the rankings.

READ MORE: Nick Kyrgios now confirms the reason why he did not interview Jannik Sinner on court at the US Open

Kyrgios is a seven-time ATP Tour champion, and made it all the way to the 2022 Wimbledon final before losing to Djokovic.

The Australian will be cheered on by the home fans as he uses the event to get back to full fitness and prepare for the Australian Open.

Tiafoe meanwhile will also be using the Brisbane International to get into shape for the first Grand Slam of the season, which gets going in mid-January.

As mentioned by the American, the pair have met on one occasion, with Kyrgios winning their 2022 Washington quarter-final.