Aussie tennis greats make a SHOCKING prediction for Nick Kyrgios’s future as star tries to battle back from injury

Nick Kyrgios is racing against time to be ready for the first Grand Slam of 2024 at Melbourne Park – with several Australian tennis greats predicting the firefighter won't be back at Wimbledon until next year.

Kyrgios, 28, has been out of action since withdrawing from the Melbourne event early this year due to knee and wrist problems, with an unknown return date.

The Canberra-born star has played down expectations that he will be back on the field for the first major of 2024, saying last month that “the stars would have to align” for him to return in time.

Davis Cup hero and now coach Wayne Arthurs says if Kyrgios commits, a blow is there for the taking, but he realistically cannot see him again before Wimbledon.

“We all know he is a talent,” Arthurs said The age. 'He is smart enough to know that (Novak) Djokovic is at the end of his career, so a blow is there for the taking.

There are major doubts about the enigmatic entertainer's tennis comeback

Kyrgios (pictured with girlfriend Costeen Hatzi) played down expectations that he will be back on the field for the first major of 2024

'By all accounts he was training quite hard in the middle of the year before going to Wimbledon and getting injured again.

“But will a 20 percent Kyrgios do well at the Aussie Open? I don't think he's going to play. But by the middle of next year, at Wimbledon, maybe it's time.'

Former tennis world doubles champion Peter McNamee agrees with Arthurs that Wimbledon is the time when fans are likely to see Kyrgios back to his best.

“I don't know if he'll make it to the Aussie Open or not, I don't have the insight, but he won't be at his best,” he said.

“He's pretty good, though, and he's a scary draw (for rivals).”

In an interview with English broadcaster Piers Morgan last week, the 28-year-old gave no indication that he would be willing to return to the court any time soon.

Australian Open boss Craig Tiley said he expected Kyrgios to appear at the tournament “in some form” next month.

Wayne Arthurs believes Kyrgios will appear again at Wimbledon next year

Peter McNamee also suggested Kyrgios will be back to his best by mid-2024

“The update is day by day with him,” Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley said on Monday about Kyrgios' availability.

“He's best guess is that… we'll have Nick here in some form in January.

'Hopefully it's to play because he's a crowd pleaser. We enjoy watching Nick and having him around.”