Nick Kyrgios’ first tournament of 2026 confirmed ahead of Australian Open return

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Nick Kyrgios only played five ATP Tour singles matches in 2025, but is hoping for a better year in 2026.

The controversial Aussie lost four of his five singles matches this year, falling to Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard (Brisbane International), Jacob Fearnley (Australian Open), Botic van de Zandschulp (Indian Wells), and Karen Khachanov (Miami Open).

His sole win came in the first round of the Miami Open, where Kyrgios defeated Mackenzie McDonald in three sets.

As he continues to build fitness, Kyrgios has been confirmed as a participant at an exhibition tournament next January.

Nick Kyrgios to compete at the 2026 Kooyong Classic

The Kooyong Classic is an exhibition event held in Melbourne, Australia.

Among the previous winners are Roger Federer, Andy Roddick, Pete Sampras, and Andre Agassi.

Announcing Kyrgios as a member of the 2026 lineup, the Kooyong Classic said this in a press release.

“The 2026 Kooyong Classic continues to build momentum, with Australian star Nick Kyrgios set to return to the spiritual home of Australian tennis this January,” they said.

“A two-time competitor at the event, Kyrgios’ return brings a surge of excitement and anticipation as he prepares for a major summer of tennis.”

Kyrgios is the 10th confirmed player, joining a strong field, which includes three top-20 players.

2026 Kooyong Classic field

The Aussie will no doubt relish the chance to test himself against some of the best players in men’s tennis ahead of his return to competition at the Australian Open.

But just how close to full fitness is Kyrgios?

‘It’s not feeling bad’ – Nick Kyrgios’ positive knee injury update

Earlier this month, Kyrgios provided an update on his fitness after missing the majority of the 2025 season due to injury.

“I don’t know what’s changed with my knee,” he said.

“Around that Washington period, I really didn’t have hope to be able to play AO [Australian Open] or just ever get back to that point of where I felt comfortable and competing and really letting my body go.

“But something in the last month, I don’t know what it is. I was with my masseuse and physio last night, and something really has changed with my knee. Like it’s not swelling. It’s not feeling bad after a session

“I don’t know whether to call it a miracle or anything, but my knee feels like it’s gotten younger by a couple of years.”

Providing things continue to trend in the right direction, we could finally see Kyrgios play a ‘fuller’ schedule in 2026.

The Aussie hasn’t played a proper schedule since 2022, which was arguably the greatest year of his tennis career.

Kyrgios reached the final of Wimbledon and the quarterfinals of the US Open at Flushing Meadows.

Unfortunately for Kyrgios, he was unable to win either title and hasn’t won another Grand Slam match since.

At 31, Kyrgios remains slam-less, and time is running out for the talented star to add a major title to his trophy cabinet.

Nick Kyrgios’ Grand Slam record

Whether he can make another deep run at a Grand Slam in 2026 remains to be seen, but you certainly won’t want to miss any of the action.

Kyrgios will begin his Aus Open preparations at the Kooyong Classic, which starts on Tuesday, January 12.