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What Nick Kyrgios needs to do in 2026 after winning his opening match of the year

Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images
Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images
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Nick Kyrgios has returned to the ATP Tour with a bang, having received a wildcard to play at the Brisbane International.

Kyrgios made a winning comeback to the ATP Tour, emerging victorious in his doubles opener with Thanasi Kokkinakis.

He suffered an injury-hit season in 2025, but has signalled his intentions for the 2026 season by taking to the court at the earliest possible opportunity.

Kyrgios is also playing singles in addition to his doubles venture, which should be welcome news for fans and the organisers of the Brisbane International.

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Nick Kyrgios needs to play more matches in 2026

Kyrgios may have fallen all the way down to 670th in the world rankings, but it’s clear that he is still a box-office player.

He produced many world-class shots in his win with Kokkinakis, which included a handful of moments that only he could manufacture.

Such moments simply stunned those watching on, with the efforts importantly helping the Australian duo to a hard-fought win.

It’s simple that the 2022 Wimbledon runner-up needs to play more matches this season, whether that be in doubles or singles.

He fell short of only 10 matches throughout the entire 2025 season, having made five singles appearances and four in doubles.

Of course, injuries could be his biggest stumbling block in improving upon those figures, but recent signs have been positive.

Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis in conversation at the 2026 Brisbane International
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Nick Kyrgios has chance to prove he is good for tennis ahead of Australian Open

Kyrgios will always be a controversial figure, with the debate around whether he is good or not for the sport set to continue in 2026.

As ever, he will not be listening to any outside noise, with a lengthy run at the Brisbane International on his agenda right now.

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But Kyrgios will be up against it from the very start in singles on home soil, having been drawn to face American Aleksandar Kovacevic in his opener.

However, the Australian has proven he can compete with the very best on his day, although such a return is a long shot given his injury history and lack of playing time in recent years.

For now, staying fit and enjoying his tennis should be the priority, with Kyrgios a joy to watch even when he’s well below par.