Nick Kyrgios returned to the court to take part in a mixed doubles exhibition match with Naomi Osaka ahead of the US Open.
Kyrgios was mic’d up for the US Open match, which he and Osaka lost 6-2 against Taylor Fritz and Amanda Anisimova.
The Australian has played just one match since the beginning of 2023 after suffering from various injury issues.
He has undergone wrist and knee surgeries, but received a rapturous response from US Open fans during his partnership with Osaka.
Kyrgios praised Osaka during the clash, even if it was an ultimately unsuccessful pairing against their American opponents.
Nick Kyrgios reacts after playing with Naomi Osaka at the US Open
But the duo undoubtedly enjoyed themselves, with Kyrgios sharing a video of the pair warming up on social media.
Posting on Instagram, Kyrgios wrote: 2 people that have had completely different journeys…… through negativity, injuries and whatever it is thrown our way… we continue to write more chapters…
Two-time champion Naomi Osaka back at the US Open
Osaka has also been somewhat absent in recent times, with the four-time Grand Slam winner having recently returned after having a child.
She missed all of 2023 due to pregnancy, but did make an appearance at Flushing Meadows as a spectator and indeed for an athlete mental health summit.
READ MORE: All to know on the 2024 US Open including dates and how to watch in the US
But all of her focus this time around is on competing, with Osaka having won her first Grand Slam title at the 2018 US Open.
A third arrived at the 2020 US Open, with Osaka boasting a record of 22-5 in her career at the Queens-based event.
She has now been handed a wild card for her eighth US Open, but her recent playing partner Kyrgios remains sidelined for the time being.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
