Nick Kyrgios is a polarising figure within the tennis community, but few can deny the talent he boasts.
That is why, despite what controversy he might be stirring up off the court, many will cherish his inevitable return to it.
His absence during the clay court season has been notable, and with the French Open just around the corner, his presence at that Grand Slam seemed slim.
However, he has recently made a statement to the contrary.
Nick Kyrgios makes Roland Garros claim
Chatting to The Canberra Times, the Aussie revealed: ‘The French Open was never really on the cards, but after the stuff with Max Purcell, Jordan was looking for a partner and he asked me if I wanted to play.
‘We played at the French Open before, so it’ll be good to get out there and play with another fellow Aussie and have a bit of fun.’
Nick Kyrgios then continued: ’I’m excited to get out there and play. We put a lot of work in – myself, Will [Maher], and the team. I feel good. Me and James [Frawley] have been on the court pretty much every single day. I’m hitting the ball well, it’s just a matter of playing matches.
‘With this part of my career I’m excited to travel the world and do some fun things whilst I’m out there.’
Partnering with Jordan Thompson will see him keep good company, as his compatriot is a finalist at Wimbledon and a winner of the US Open in doubles format.
The latest on Nick Kyrgios’ fitness
We have not seen much of Kyrgios this year, in what many hoped would be his first full year back on tour.
However, it was always going to be unlikely that the 30-year-old flew back into action, especially given all the physical turmoil his body has suffered in recent years.
These debilitating injury troubles first began after his stunning 2022, where he reached the Wimbledon final and followed it up with a run to the quarters at the US Open.
2023 then saw a plethora of setbacks, with his ankle, knee and foot all causing him problems.
Plotting a comeback for the 2024 grass season, he instead was forced into punditry duties as surgery was required on his wrist. Even as recently as March has he remained scuppered by that particular ailment, alongside an abdominal injury sustained in January.
And yet, despite that, Kyrgios beat Mackenzie McDonald in what was his first win in over two years.
However, with plans to return to Roland Garros, and further confirmation of his entry into Stuttgart, a grass-court tournament, it seems Kyrgios is happy to bypass the clay-court season to hopefully put his injury turmoil behind him.
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