Nick Kyrgios thrives in latest comeback, admitting he may be a “sucker for punishment” as the mercurial Australian returns to Brisbane chasing yet another comeback — largely because he can’t imagine doing anything else.
“I am a sicko. I just love it all. I love everything that comes with it,” Kyrgios said ahead of his ATP Tour return on Tuesday against American Aleksandar Kovacevic.
“I don’t know what else to do with myself, to be honest. What else do I do? Celebrity boxing?”
Now 30, Kyrgios played just five Tour matches last year, his most recent appearance coming in March. He did not compete at all in 2024 and featured only once the year before, as persistent injuries derailed his career.
The former world No.13 has undergone four surgeries on his knee and wrist during that period and no longer holds a protected ranking. Sitting at No.670, he is relying on wildcards to gain entry into tournaments.
However, there were encouraging signs late last year as his body began to respond, and after a series of exhibition matches to close out 2025, Kyrgios has returned at the Brisbane International promising fans the full “Kyrgios experience”.
That was on display on Sunday night when he teamed up with close friend Thanasi Kokkinakis for an entertaining 92-minute doubles victory, showcasing both their shot-making brilliance and trademark unpredictability.
“Even on the singles court, I do stupid things — I kind of just do whatever I feel like doing,” said Kyrgios, the 2022 Wimbledon finalist.
“I don’t take it too seriously, but I lock in during certain moments. We’re enjoying it. We had so much fun and it was at an incredibly high level.
“But no one else does as stupid things as me on the court — that’s what I bring.”
Kyrgios is scheduled to play at next week’s Kooyong Classic and is still awaiting confirmation on whether he will receive a wildcard for the Australian Open. After a disappointing first-round exit last year, he insists he will not compete at Melbourne Park unless he is physically ready.
Looking ahead, Kyrgios says he is at peace with whatever 2026 may bring.
“I honestly don’t know what my future holds — I’m taking it day by day,” he said.
“Just being part of these events is special. When Thanasi and I play doubles together, it reminds us that this sport can actually be fun.
“It’s not always about injuries, competing and grinding.
“Every good thing that’s come into my life has come from this sport — and at the end of the day, it goes by in a flash.”
Fellow Australian Alexei Popyrin hopes fans will see more of Kyrgios this season.
“It’s great having Nick back on tour — he really puts tennis on the map,” Popyrin said. “Hopefully he can stay around for the rest of the year.
“He’s one of the most talented players out there. If he’s in the right mental space and physically holds up, he’ll cause problems for everyone.
“Mentally he looks good, and physically — we’ll just have to wait and see.”
Kyrgios is set to take the court in Tuesday afternoon’s session, following world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka’s opening match on Pat Rafter Arena.
