- Star has played just one match in two years
- Knee and wrist injuries required surgery
Tennis maverick Nick Kyrgios has put an end to months of speculation by confirming he will play at the Australian Open next year.
The 29-year-old dropped the shocking news while speaking at SXSW Sydney on Thursday, where he also revealed new details about the severity of the injuries that have kept him almost completely out of competitive tennis for the past two years.
“The injury I had was brutal,” he told the crowd.
‘The surgeon said I probably wouldn’t be able to play again. But I said whatever, just try to get another two to three years of my career in front of me.
‘Everything went quite well and I will be playing in the Australian Open this summer.
“It’s been a tough few years, but just being there to play in front of my home crowd… I just want to be there, fire up the crowd and play for my own country.
“Whether it’s good or bad, it’s definitely going to be a lot of fun. I’m looking forward to it.
“My only motivation to come back and play is to try and win a grand slam, and I’ll try again.”
Kyrgios spoke at SXSW Sydney (pictured) as he finally confirmed he will play at the Australian Open next January
The Aussie Firebrand has played just one competitive match in the past two years after being sidelined by serious wrist and knee injuries
The 29-year-old (pictured with girlfriend Costeen Hatzi) revealed he had asked his surgeon to give him two to three more years on the court to fulfill his dream of winning a grand slam.
Knee and wrist injuries have sidelined the former Wimbledon finalist since just before the 2022 Australian Open, leaving many wondering if he would ever return to the court.
Earlier this week, he officially announced that he will return for the World Tennis League event in Abu Dhabi from December 19 to 22.
That will give him ample time to prepare for another Australian Open assault, where he previously claimed the doubles title alongside compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis.
Kyrgios has worked as a commentator during his enforced break from the sport and has previously spoken of his desire to retire early.
“I’ve beaten pretty much everyone in front of me, reached a Grand Slam final, won a doubles title in a Grand Slam, won multiple titles and made money,” he said earlier this week.
‘But I think the only thing on my mind now is a Grand Slam. I think this is the one thing that will ultimately shut people up.
“That will be my deep motivation.”