Nick Kyrgios is set to make his long-awaited return to singles action at the beginning of the 2026 season.
Kyrgios has received a wildcard for the Brisbane International, marking his first singles appearance on the ATP Tour in nine months.
The Australian last competed at the 2025 Miami Open, where he fell in the second round to Karen Khachanov.
Now aged 30, many feel as though Kyrgios’ career has been wasted, as the former Wimbledon finalist has never reached the heights his talents suggested he would.
Do you think Nick Kyrgios wasted his talent?
His self-admitted lack of motivation and general ‘bad boy’ attitude have cost him what could have been an incredibly successful career.
Tennis legend John McEnroe predicted this would happen back in 2018, when he issued a warning to Kyrgios.
John McEnroe’s comments about Nick Kyrgios in 2018
As per the Guardian, McEnroe said of Kyrgios that year: “He’s going to run himself out of the game at this point, which I don’t want to see. But that’s what’s going to happen. It’s as clear as day.
“I like him a lot. I think he’s a great kid, and actually I think he’s the most talented tennis player that I’ve seen in 10 years
“The difference between Nick and I at the moment is [that] I tried all the time. He doesn’t, for whatever reason.
“I’m not Sigmund Freud. I wish I was because I like Nick and he’d be good for the sport [if he fully committed].
“Obviously, it would be good for him. That goes without saying. I think Nick’s a really nice kid.”
Nick Kyrgios’ competition at the Brisbane International
Kyrgios will have to battle past a number of big stars should he wish to emerge victorious at the Brisbane International.
Competing at the tournament is former world number one Daniil Medvedev, who saw a return to form towards the back end of last season after appointing a new coach, Thomas Johansson.
Also heading to Brisbane are American compatriots Tommy Paul and Frances Tiafoe, with the latter, like Medvedev, making a switch-up in his coaching team recently.
Teenaged star Joao Fonseca will feature at the event, as the Brazilian looks to build on his breakthrough 2025 campaign.
Grigor Dimitrov will join the field, with the Bulgarian having won the tournament in both 2024 and 2017.
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