Nick Kyrgios wasted no time in returning to the court after his difficult start to the 2026 ATP Tour season.
Kyrgios won his first match of the season in Brisbane after an injury-hit 2025 campaign, emerging victorious in doubles with Thanasi Kokkinakis.
But the Australian pair lost their next match at the Brisbane International, with Kyrgios also suffering defeat in his singles opener.
However, the seven-time ATP champion was back pleasing tennis fans at the Kooyong Classic exhibition tournament.
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Nick Kyrgios thanks Kooyong Classic after exhibition appearance
Kyrgios issued a message of gratitude after his outing, writing on Instagram: “Another opportunity another blessing… you know I had to bring out the Kygs x Kyrie kicks. Thank you Kooyong.”
The home favorite emerged victorious from his clash with Zhang Zhizhen in Melbourne, winning 6-3, 4-6, [11-9].
His ATP rivals Matteo Berrettini, Frances Tiafoe and Learner Tien among others are also playing at the exhibition event.
Kyrgios will now turn his attention to the Australian Open, where he is focusing on doubles after ruling himself out of contention for a potential singles wildcard.
Nick Kyrgios welcomes Stan Wawrinka’s Australian Open wildcard
ATP icon Stan Wawrinka received an Australian Open wildcard, as did his fellow Australians Jordan Thompson and Chris O’Connell.
Reacting to the decision involving the Swiss veteran, Kyrgios told SBS: “Someone like Stan, who’s played three or four competitive matches in the United Cup, all at a super high level, there’s absolutely no doubt in my mind that he deserves it.
“And it just wouldn’t be fair of me to have so many doubts physically to go out there and play some of the best players in the world in the best-of-five and not even be sure that I could back up one round.”
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Kyrgios deserves praise for his Australian Open approach, while Wawrinka undoubtedly deserves a wildcard for Melbourne.
He started his final season on the ATP Tour by helping Switzerland reach the United Cup final, while the legendary figure won the Australian Open back in 2014.
Now 40 years old, Wawrinka stunned everyone back then by defeating fellow icon Rafael Nadal 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3.
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