Nick Kyrgios, the flamboyant Australian tennis player, is set to make his much-anticipated comeback to Grand Slam tennis during the 2025 Australian Open, scheduled to start in January. Kyrgios has faced a challenging period filled with injuries that have sidelined him from competitive play. His last notable performance in a major tournament was in 2022 when he reached the quarter-finals of the US Open, proving his capability as a formidable player on the court.
The 29-year-old tennis star has struggled with injuries affecting his knee, foot, and wrist, significantly impacting his ability to compete at the highest levels. The last time Kyrgios graced the court was in 2023 at the Stuttgart Open, where he faced an unfortunate straight-set loss to Yibing Wu. This defeat was part of a disheartening streak of four consecutive losses, culminating in his withdrawal from the Tokyo Open in October 2022 due to a knee injury. Nevertheless, the Australian Open will see him return with a protected ranking of No. 21, a provision that allows players recovering from long-term injuries to utilize their average ranking during their injury period.
In addition to Kyrgios, the upcoming Grand Slam event will witness the return of other elite players and past champions. Notably, Belinda Bencic, the 2020 Olympic Games singles champion, is also entering the tournament with a protected ranking. Bencic has not competed in a major event since 2023, having taken time off for the birth of her daughter in April. Despite her absence from high-stakes tournaments, she has made appearances in several lower-profile competitions in Hamburg, Petange, and Angers, as well as representing her country in the Billie Jean King Cup.
Another significant return in the Australian Open is Kei Nishikori, who will be participating under a protected ranking as well. Nishikori is making his much-awaited return to the Australian Open after a hiatus since 2021, aiming to re-establish his standing in the world of tennis. This year’s Australian Open is shaping up to be a celebration of comebacks, with Kyrgios, Bencic, and Nishikori making notable returns to the competitive tennis landscape.
The entry list also features numerous British players, including Jack Draper, Cameron Norrie, Katie Boulter, Emma Raducanu, Sonay Kartel, and Jodie Burrage. These athletes represent a new generation of talent in British tennis, and their participation adds an exciting element to the tournament.
The defending champions, Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka, will lead the respective men’s and women’s draws as the No. 1 seeds. Sinner, the dynamic Italian player, will aim to defend his title against a field that includes numerous rising stars and seasoned players. Meanwhile, Aryna Sabalenka, known for her powerful playing style, will also look to maintain her status at the top.
Of particular interest will be the presence of Novak Djokovic, who, with his ten titles at the Australian Open, will be vying for another championship. Djokovic is currently tied with Margaret Court for the record of the most Grand Slam titles, with an impressive tally of 24. Undoubtedly, the Australian Open will serve as a significant battleground in his quest to break that record, especially with rival Andy Murray by his side.
The Australian Open is set to start on January 12 and will be available for live viewing on Webpressnews and discovery+. With the return of key players, compelling storylines, and the promise of high-octane tennis, the tournament is sure to capture the attention of fans worldwide who are eager for thrilling matches and unforgettable moments. The stage is set for a remarkable tournament, as athletes step back into the spotlight, ready to show the world what they can achieve after their periods of absence.
